ORAI1 constitutes the store-operated Ca 2+ release-activated Ca 2+ (CRAC) channel crucial for life. Whereas ORAI1 activation by Ca 2+ -sensing STIM proteins is known, still obscure is how ORAI1 is turned off through Ca 2+ -dependent inactivation (CDI), protecting against Ca 2+ toxicity. Here we identify a spatially-restricted Ca 2+ /cAMP signaling crosstalk critical for mediating CDI. Binding of Ca 2+ -activated adenylyl cyclase 8 (AC8) to the N-terminus of ORAI1 positions AC8 near the mouth of ORAI1 for sensing Ca 2+ . Ca 2+ permeating ORAI1 activates AC8 to generate cAMP and activate PKA. PKA, positioned by AKAP79 near ORAI1, phosphorylates serine-34 in ORAI1 pore extension to induce CDI whereas recruitment of the phosphatase calcineurin antagonizes the effect of PKA. Notably, CDI shapes ORAI1 cytosolic Ca 2+ signature to determine the isoform and degree of NFAT activation. Thus, we uncover a mechanism of ORAI1 inactivation, and reveal a hitherto unappreciated role for inactivation in shaping cellular Ca 2+ signals and NFAT activation.

Mitochondrial Ca regulation is crucial for bioenergetics and cellular signaling. The mechanisms controlling mitochondrial calcium homeostasis have been recently unraveled with the discovery of mitochondrial inner membrane proteins that regulate mitochondrial Ca uptake and extrusion. Mitochondrial Ca uptake depends on a large complex of proteins centered around the Ca channel protein, mitochondrial Ca uniporter (MCU) in close interactions with several regulatory subunits (MCUb, EMRE, MICU1, MICU2). Mitochondrial Ca extrusion is mainly mediated by the mitochondrial Na/Ca/Li exchanger (NCLX). Here, we review the major players of mitochondrial Ca homeostasis and their physiological functions.

Store operated calcium entry (SOCE) is thought to primarily regulate calcium homeostasis in neurons. Subsequent to identification of Orai as the SOCE channel in nonexcitable cells, investigation of Orai function in neurons demonstrated a requirement for SOCE in Drosophila flight. Here, by analysis of an Orai mutant and by controlled expression of a dominant-negative Drosophila Orai transgene, we show that Orai-mediated SOCE is required in dopaminergic interneurons of the flight circuit during pupal development. Expression of dominant-negative Orai in dopaminergic neurons of pupae abolished flight. The loss of Orai-mediated SOCE alters transcriptional regulation of dopaminergic neurons, leading to downregulation of the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, which is essential for dopamine synthesis, and the dopamine transporter, which is required for dopamine uptake after synaptic release. These studies suggest that modulation of SOCE could serve as a novel mechanism for restoring dopamine levels in dopaminergic neurons.