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Calcium and apoptosis: facts and hypotheses
Rosario Rizzuto1, Paolo Pinton, Davide Ferrari
1Department of Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine and Center for the Study of Inflammation, University of Ferrara, Italy. r.rizzuto@unife.it
Oncogene
|November 25, 2003
Summary
Calcium dysregulation is linked to cell death, with recent research exploring its role in apoptosis signaling. This review covers Bcl-2 proteins, apoptotic enzymes, extracellular stimuli, and intracellular targets like mitochondria.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Alterations in calcium homeostasis have long been linked to cell death.
- The specific role of calcium in apoptosis signaling has gained significant attention recently.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on calcium's role in apoptosis signaling.
- To focus on key molecular players and cellular targets involved in calcium-mediated apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing experimental evidence.
- Focus on specific molecular interactions and signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Bcl-2 family proteins impact endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ levels.
- Apoptotic enzymes affect Ca2+ signaling machinery.
- Apoptotic Ca2+ signals alter responses to extracellular stimuli.
- Mitochondria and cytosolic Ca2+-dependent enzymes are key intracellular targets of apoptotic Ca2+ signals.
Conclusions:
- Calcium signaling is a critical component of the apoptotic process.
- Understanding these calcium-dependent pathways offers insights into cell death mechanisms.