Where have all the Orais gone? Commentary on "Orai1 channels are essential for amplification of glutamate-evoked Ca2+ signals in dendritic spines to regulate working and associative memory"

Abstract

Orai1 channels were reported as critical contributors to the Ca²⁺ signal in hippocampal neurons underlying synaptic plasticity associated with learning and memory. We discuss the results in view of conflicting other reports that stressed the roles of Orai2 channels but failed to detect functions of Orai1 channels in these neurons.

Keywords: Neuronal calcium homeostasis; Orai channels; Spine calcium signaling; Synaptic plasticity.