We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a Ryanodine Receptor?

Andrew Kirmayer
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,259
Share

A ryanodine receptor forms a pathway within a biological cell through which calcium ions can pass. It is found in the sarcoplasmic reticulum in skeletal muscle cells. Calcium is stored within this structure and remains there while the muscles are in a resting state. The contraction of muscle fibers and tissues are controlled by the release of calcium, which is dispersed through the receptor when needed to induce muscle contraction. Genetic mutations of the ryanodine receptor can lead to serious conditions and diseases.

Four molecular building blocks called monomers combine in a sequence to form a ryanodine receptor. Also incorporated is a terminal that supports the binding of proteins that control the opening and closing of the receptor pore. A protein called calstabin2 keeps the channel stable when it is closed. The pore segment of the receptor functions as a filter to channel the calcium ions across a membrane.

The steady flow of calcium ions allows muscles to contract and function properly. The calcium release channels of the ryanodine receptor have terminals that protrude into the cellular cytoplasm. Various other sub-cellular structures also help to support the transport of calcium. A range of cellular functions, such as excitation-contraction coupling, which occurs in skeletal and cardiac muscle, are regulated by calcium channels. Processes that guide electrical signals within the nervous system are also regulated this way.

Regulated by the ryanodine receptor 1 gene, the receptor is crucial for muscle movement and overall mobility. It is also found in smooth muscle, within the brain, in the adrenal gland, and in reproductive organs. There are also some quantities of the ryanodine receptor in the stomach, lungs, thymus, and diaphragm. Mutations of the receptor gene can cause a lack of calcium flow, which can interfere with how muscles contract. The leaking of calcium channels can deplete the amount of ions in the cell, leading to a condition called central core disease.

A mutation in the ryanodine receptor gene can cause the protein to be too short. Muscle weakness then results in a condition known as congenital fiber-type disproportion. Another type of mutation distorts the shape of the calcium channel to make it difficult for muscles to contract, allowing the development of multiminicore disease. If too many calcium ions are released into the cell, malignant hyperthermia can result, leading to abnormal muscle contractions and rigidity, generation of heat, and overproduction of acid.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Andrew Kirmayer
By Andrew Kirmayer
Andrew Kirmayer, a freelance writer with his own online writing business, creates engaging content across various industries and disciplines. With a degree in Creative Writing, he is skilled at writing compelling articles, blogs, press releases, website content, web copy, and more, all with the goal of making the web a more informative and engaging place for all audiences.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Andrew Kirmayer
Andrew Kirmayer
Andrew Kirmayer, a freelance writer with his own online writing business, creates engaging content across various...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-ryanodine-receptor.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.