Rhythmic Ca²⁺ signaling: keeping time with microRNAs

Curr Biol. 2012 Dec 4;22(23):R1000-1. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2012.10.024.

Abstract

Pacemaker cells are specialized cell types that drive biological rhythms like the heartbeat and intestinal peristalsis. What determines whether a cell functions as a pacemaker? Studies in Caenorhabditis elegans suggest that pacemaking activity may be controlled in part by microRNAs.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Clocks*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / metabolism*
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / metabolism
  • Calcium Signaling*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*

Substances

  • Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
  • MicroRNAs