MICU1
MICU1 (mitochondrial calcium uptake 1) is a regulator of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter and an essential controller of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake under basal conditions. It is also known as CALC, EFHA3 and CBARA1 (calcium binding atopy-related autoantigen 1). Browse Assay Genie's current range of MICU1 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
MICU1 regulates the uptake of calcium into mitochondria. According to the NCBI Gene summary, the encoded protein is an essential regulator of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake under basal conditions. It interacts with the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), a Ca2+ channel in the mitochondrial inner membrane, and is essential in preventing mitochondrial Ca2+ overload. Such overload can cause excessive production of reactive oxygen species and cell stress, so MICU1 is a useful focus for studies of mitochondrial calcium homeostasis and cell stress.
The human MICU1 gene encodes a protein that localises to the mitochondrion, in the intermembrane space and at the inner membrane. It belongs to the MICU1 family, MICU1 subfamily, and HGNC places it in two groups: EF-hand domain containing proteins and MCU complex subunits. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been described. One isoform regulates MCU in skeletal muscle. It has a higher affinity for calcium than other isoforms and promotes mitochondrial calcium uptake at lower calcium concentrations. This allows a rapid response of mitochondrial metabolism and supports the sustained ATP production needed for resistance and strenuous exercise.
The MICU1 protein has had several names. Earlier symbols include CALC, EFHA3 and CBARA1, the last derived from the previous name calcium binding atopy-related autoantigen 1. The mouse and rat orthologs are both named Micu1, which allows the protein to be studied in common rodent models.
MICU1 regulates the mitochondrial calcium uniporter and controls mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake under basal conditions, making it central to studies of organellar calcium handling.
By preventing mitochondrial Ca2+ overload, MICU1 limits excessive reactive oxygen species production and cell stress, a key theme in mitochondrial stress research.
A muscle isoform of MICU1 has high calcium affinity and supports sustained ATP production during resistance and strenuous exercise.
As an MCU complex subunit and EF-hand protein, MICU1 is studied to understand how uniporter regulation is built from its component proteins.
MICU1 is an essential regulator of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake under basal conditions. It interacts with the mitochondrial calcium uniporter in the inner membrane and helps prevent mitochondrial Ca2+ overload, which can cause excessive reactive oxygen species production and cell stress.
MICU1 is also called CALC, EFHA3 and CBARA1, and was formerly named calcium binding atopy-related autoantigen 1. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encode different isoforms, including one that regulates the uniporter in skeletal muscle with higher calcium affinity.
Yes. Mouse and rat both have an ortholog named Micu1, so the protein can be studied in rodent models. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other MCU complex subunits and mitochondrial calcium regulators that may be of interest alongside MICU1.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q9BPX6; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.