Structural Insights into Ca(2+) Permeation through Orai Channels

Orai channels belong to the calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel family. Orai channels are responsible for the influx of extracellular Ca(2+) that is triggered by Ca(2+) depletion from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER); this function is essential for many types of non-excitable cells. Extensive structural and functional studies have advanced the knowledge of the molecular mechanism by which Orai channels are activated. However, the gating mechanism that allows Ca(2+) permeation through Orai channels is less well explained. Here, we reviewed and summarized the existing structural studies of Orai channels. We detailed the structural features of Orai channels, described structural comparisons of their closed and open states, and finally proposed a “push–pull” model of Ca(2+) permeation.