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Updated: Apr 5, 2026

Fluorescent Calcium Imaging and Subsequent In Situ Hybridization for Neuronal Precursor Characterization in Xenopus laevis
Published on: February 18, 2020
Calcium signaling and cell proliferation.
Mauro Cunha Xavier Pinto1, Alexandre Hiroaki Kihara2, Vânia A M Goulart3
1Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciência Biológicas, Univtreersidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Presyes 748, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Instituto Nanocell, Rua Santo Antônio, 420, 35500-041 Divinópolis, MG, Brazil.
Calcium signaling regulates cell proliferation. Store-operated calcium entries (SOCE), involving STIM and Orai proteins, are crucial for this process, linking endoplasmic reticulum calcium levels to cellular calcium influx and proliferation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Cell proliferation is tightly regulated by intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) signaling pathways.
- Calcium ions are absorbed by mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, with subsequent signaling to the nucleus.
- Endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) fluctuations play a critical role in physiological cell proliferation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pivotal role of calcium signaling in cell proliferation.
- To discuss the mechanism of store-operated calcium entries (SOCE).
- To examine the interplay of STIM and Orai proteins in regulating cell proliferation.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental evidence on calcium signaling and cell proliferation.
- Detailed examination of the STIM-Orai axis in SOCE.
- Analysis of the interaction between STIM/Orai and cell membrane receptors.
Main Results:
- Ca(2+) depletion in the endoplasmic reticulum triggers SOCE.
- SOCE is mediated by the interaction between STIM (ER sensor) and Orai (plasma membrane channel).
- STIM and Orai proteins are key regulators linking ER calcium to plasma membrane influx.
Conclusions:
- The STIM-Orai complex is essential for store-operated calcium entry.
- Calcium signaling, particularly SOCE, is a critical regulator of cell proliferation.
- Understanding STIM-Orai interactions offers insights into cell proliferation control.
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