Calcium-transporting ATPase (Usually abbreviated as SERCA for sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPases, PMCA for plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPases)

Calcium-transporting ATPases are a family of integral membrane proteins responsible for transport of Ca2+ ions against their concentration gradient, using energy derived from ATP hydrolysis. The main subtypes are **SERCA** (resides in sarco/endoplasmic reticulum, critical for muscle contraction and relaxation), **PMCA** (resides in the plasma membrane, extrudes Ca2+ to maintain low cytosolic concentrations), and **SPCA** (located in secretory pathway organelles)[7][1][2][3][6]. These pumps play central roles in cell signaling, muscle function, neurotransmitter release, and hormone secretion. Structurally, they undergo complex conformational changes during transport cycles, coupling ATP hydrolysis with Ca2+ binding and release, and are regulated by proteins such as calmodulin[8]. Dysregulation or genetic mutations affecting these ATPases are implicated in cardiovascular, muscular, neurological, and other diseases, making them critical therapeutic and research targets[6][1].

Other names

Sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA)Plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA)Secretory pathway Ca2+-ATPase (SPCA)Ca2+ pumpCalcium pump

Inhibition (drugs like thapsigargin block ATPase function, inducing calcium overload and cell death); Modulation (potential for enhancing SERCA activity in heart failure or suppressing PMCA in certain cancers)