A calcium-accumulating region, CAR, in the channel Orai1 enhances Ca(2+) permeation and SOCE-induced gene transcription.

The Ca(2+) release-activated Ca(2+) channel mediates Ca(2+) influx in a plethora of cell types, thereby controlling diverse cellular functions. The channel complex is composed of stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), an endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-sensing protein, and Orai1, a plasma membrane Ca(2+) channel. Channels composed of STIM1 and Orai1 mediate Ca(2+) influx even at low extracellular Ca(2+) concentrations.