REGULATION OF CALCIUM TRANSLOCATION ACROSS THE RED-BLOOD-CELL MEMBRANE

In the present review the current understanding of the mechanisms by which red cells maintain an asymmetric distribution of Ca2+ across the plasma membrane are examined. In particular, the mechanism by which the Ca2+ pump transports Ca2+ against an electrochemical gradient and a more than 1000-fold Ca2+ concentration gradient will be considered. Particular emphasis will be placed on the physiological significance of the regulation of the Ca2+ pump by calmodulin, the Ca2+ binding protein found in the cytosol of the red blood cell.