Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channel (RyR)

The ryanodine receptor (RyR) is a large, high-conductance intracellular calcium release channel primarily located on the membrane of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in muscle cells and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in other cell types. It plays a central role in excitation-contraction coupling by mediating rapid release of Ca(^{2+}) from internal stores into the cytosol, which is essential for processes such as muscle contraction, neurotransmission, secretion, and various signaling pathways.

Other names

Ryanodine receptorCalcium release channel

Ryanodine binds with high affinity, locking the channel open at low concentrations but blocking it at higher doses. Caffeine activates the channel. Dantrolene inhibits the channel.