Visualization of Ca²+ signaling during embryonic skeletal muscle formation in vertebrates

Dynamic changes in cytosolic and nuclear Ca(2+) concentration are reported to play a critical regulatory role in different aspects of skeletal muscle development and differentiation. Here we review our current knowledge of the spatial dynamics of Ca(2+) signals generated during muscle development in mouse, rat, and Xenopus myocytes in culture, in the exposed myotome of dissected Xenopus embryos, and in intact normally developing zebrafish. It is becoming clear that subcellular domains, either membrane-bound or otherwise, may have their own Ca(2+) signaling signatures. Thus, to understand the roles played by myogenic Ca(2+) signaling, we must consider: (1) the triggers and targets within these signaling domains; (2) interdomain signaling, and (3) how these Ca(2+) signals integrate with other signaling networks involved in myogenesis. Imaging techniques that are currently available to provide direct visualization of these Ca(2+) signals are also described.