Calcium signalling and regulation of cell function

Bootman, Martin and Lipp, Peter (2002). Calcium signalling and regulation of cell function. In: Zheng, Yixian ed. Encyclopedia of Life Sciences. Chichester: Wiley.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/npg.els.0001265

URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1038/npg.els...

Abstract

The calcium ion (Ca²⁺) is a versatile intracellular messenger. It provides dynamic regulation of vast array of cellular processes such as gene transcription, differentiation and contraction. Ca²⁺ signals range from microsecond, nanoscopic events to intercellular waves lasting for many seconds. This diversity of Ca²⁺ signals arises from the wide assortment of Ca²⁺ transport and Ca²⁺ buffering processes employed by cells. Additional diversity in Ca²⁺ signalling stems from the ability of cells to utilise different sources of Ca²⁺. The cytosol is the principal Ca²⁺ signalling compartment. When Ca²⁺ ions enter the cytosol they interact with numerous Ca²⁺-binding proteins, thereby leading to activation, or inhibition, of cellular processes. Specificity is achieved by regulating the spatial and kinetic properties of Ca²⁺ signal. In this way, many concurrent Ca²⁺-sensitive cellular processes can be discretely regulated. A number of pathologies have been related to the breakdown of cellular Ca²⁺ homoeostasis or to aberrant Ca²⁺ signalling.

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