The NAADP receptor: new receptors or new regulation?

Abstract

Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) is the most potent calcium mobilizing messenger yet discovered. Its action has now been reported in a large number of cell types from a diverse array of organisms, and in some cases linked to the transduction of specific cellular stimuli. However, what is controversial is the nature of its target calcium release channel, as well as the subcellular localization of its receptor. Some have proposed that NAADP activates a novel calcium release channel distinct from the two major classes of channels known, the inositol trisphosphate receptors and ryanodine receptors. However, others have suggested that it acts in a novel way to regulate a known calcium release channel, the ryanodine receptor.