Neuronal Calcium Sensor 1 (NCS1)

Neuronal calcium sensor-1 (NCS-1) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the FREQ gene. This protein regulates G protein-coupled receptor phosphorylation in a calcium-dependent manner and can substitute for calmodulin.

NCS-1 is a member of neuronal calcium sensor family which, are EF hand containing calcium-myristoyl-switch proteins. This calcium binding protein was originally discovered in Drosophila melanogaster and named Frequenin (Frq). Drosophila null frq mutants have impaired neurotransmitter release and enhanced nerve terminal growth. NCS-1 has a known role in learning and memory in C. elegans and mammals. NCS-1 is a calcium sensor, not a calcium buffer (chelator); thus it is a high-affinity, low-capacity, calcium-binding protein.