What is the Difference Between Calbindin Calretinin and Calmodulin?

Calbindin, calretinin, and calmodulin are three distinct calcium-binding proteins that play different roles in calcium homeostasis and signaling. The main differences between them are:

1. Calbindin: This protein is involved in calcium-binding and absorption. It is directly dependent on vitamin D and plays a crucial role in maintaining calcium levels in the body.
2. Calretinin: Unlike calbindin, calretinin is involved in calcium signaling. It is a multifunctional protein that is independent of vitamin D and is implicated in various biological processes.
3. Calmodulin: This protein functions as a multifunctional intermediate calcium-binding protein. It is involved in regulating effector molecules and can also act as a buffer for calcium.

In summary, calbindin is primarily involved in calcium-binding and absorption, calretinin plays a role in calcium signaling, and calmodulin functions as a multifunctional intermediate calcium-binding protein. The genes coding for these proteins are CALB1 and CALB2 for calbindin, CALM1, CALM2, and CALM3 for calmodulin.

Comparative Table: Calbindin Calretinin vs Calmodulin

Here is a table comparing the differences between Calbindin, Calretinin, and Calmodulin:

Calbindin and Calretinin are both involved in calcium homeostasis, with Calbindin being directly dependent on vitamin D and Calretinin being independent of it. Calmodulin, on the other hand, functions as a multifunctional intermediate calcium-binding protein and is involved in various biological processes.