Inositol trisphosphate receptor

Inositol trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R) is a membrane glycoprotein complex acting as a Ca²⁺ channel activated by inositol trisphosphate (InsP3). InsP3R is very diverse among organisms, and is necessary for the control of cellular and physiological processes including cell division, cell proliferation, apoptosis, fertilization, development, behavior, learning and memory. Inositol triphosphate receptor represents a dominant second messenger leading to the release of Ca²⁺ from intracellular store sites. There is strong evidence suggesting that the InsP3R plays an important role in the conversion of external stimuli to intracellular Ca²⁺ signals characterized by complex patterns relative to both space and time, such as Ca²⁺ waves and oscillations.