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Calmodulin mediates melatonin cytoskeletal effects

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  • Melatonin and the Light-Dark Zeitgeber in Vertebrates, Invertebrates and Unicellular Organisms
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Abstract

In this article, we review the data concerning melatonin interactions with calmodulin. The kinetics of melatonin-calmodulin binding suggest that the hormone modulates cell activity through intracellular binding to the protein at physiological concentration ranges. Melatonin interaction with calmodulin may allow the hormone to modulate rhythmically many cellular functions. Melatonin's effect on tubulin polymerization, and cytoskeletal changes in MDCK and N1E-115 cells cultured with melatonin, suggest that at low concentrations (10−9 M) cytoskeletal effects are mediated by its antagonism to Ca2+-calmodulin. At higher concentrations (10−5 M), non-specific binding of melatonin to tubulin occurs thus overcoming the specific melatonin antagonism to Ca2+-calmodulin. Since the structures of melatonin and calmodulin are phylogenetically well preserved, calmodulin-melatonin interaction probably represents a major mechanism for regulation and synchronization of cell physiology.

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  1. Departamento de Neurofarmacología, Instituto Mexicano de Psiquiatría, DIC. Av. México-Xochimilco No 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, CP 14370, México, D.F., (México)

    G. Benítez-King

  2. Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa, CBS. Av. Michoacán y Purísima S/N Col. Vicentina Iztapalapa, CP 09340, México, D.F., (México)

    F. Antón-Tay

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Benítez-King, G., Antón-Tay, F. Calmodulin mediates melatonin cytoskeletal effects. Experientia 49, 635–641 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01923944

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