Calcium signaling and apoptosis

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2003 May 9;304(3):445-54. doi: 10.1016/s0006-291x(03)00616-8.

Abstract

Ca(2+) is one of the key regulators of cell survival, but Ca(2+) can also induce apoptosis in response to a variety of pathological conditions. The pro-apoptotic effects of Ca(2+) are mediated by a diverse range of Ca(2+)-sensitive factors that are compartmentalized in various intracellular organelles including the ER, cytoplasm, and mitochondria. The Ca(2+) dynamics of these organelles appear to be modulated by the apoptosis-regulating Bcl-2 family proteins. In this paper, the recent progress of research on the mechanisms mediating the apoptosis-regulating effects of Ca(2+) and the interactions of Bcl-2 family proteins with the Ca(2+) storage organelles are discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis*
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Calcium Signaling*
  • Cell Survival
  • Cytoplasm / metabolism
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / metabolism
  • Ion Transport
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Models, Biological
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / physiology

Substances

  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
  • Calcium