The role of Ca²⁺ signaling in Parkinson's disease

Across all kingdoms in the tree of life, calcium (Ca²⁺) is an essential element used by cells to respond and adapt to constantly changing environments. In multicellular organisms, it plays fundamental roles during fertilization, development and adulthood. The inability of cells to regulate Ca²⁺ can lead to pathological conditions that ultimately culminate in cell death. One such pathological condition is manifested in Parkinson's disease, the second most common neurological disorder in humans, which is characterized by the aggregation of the protein, α-synuclein. This Review discusses current evidence that implicates Ca²⁺ in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. Understanding the mechanisms by which Ca²⁺ signaling contributes to the progression of this disease will be crucial for the development of effective therapies to combat this devastating neurological condition.