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Published on: May 7, 2013
Calcium signalling: dynamics, homeostasis and remodelling.
Michael J Berridge1, Martin D Bootman, H Llewelyn Roderick
1Laboratory of Molecular Signalling, The Babraham Institute, Babraham, Cambridge CB2 4AT, UK. michael.berridge@bbsrc.ac.uk
Nature Reviews. Molecular Cell Biology
|July 3, 2003
Summary
Calcium ions (Ca2+) are crucial intracellular signals regulating diverse cellular functions. Their diverse signaling dynamics, from rapid spikes to slow waves, control cellular responses and gene expression, adapting in health and disease.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Signaling Pathways
Background:
- Calcium ions (Ca2+) act as versatile intracellular messengers.
- Ca2+ signaling governs a broad spectrum of cellular activities.
- The dynamics of Ca2+ signaling vary significantly in space and time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the diverse roles of Ca2+ in cellular processes.
- To understand how Ca2+ signaling dynamics are assembled.
- To investigate the regulatory role of Ca2+ in its own signaling system.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Ca2+ signaling dynamics.
- Investigation of spatial and temporal signaling patterns.
- Examination of Ca2+ effects on gene expression.
Main Results:
- Ca2+ signaling employs a toolkit for varied spatial and temporal dynamics.
- Rapid Ca2+ spikes mediate localized, fast cellular responses.
- Global Ca2+ transients and waves control slower cellular processes.
Conclusions:
- Ca2+ signaling is adaptable, utilizing distinct dynamics for different cellular needs.
- Ca2+ directly influences the expression of its own signaling components.
- Ca2+ signaling systems undergo continuous remodeling in physiological and pathological states.
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