Ca2+ signaling and cell death
Nada Dhaouadi1, Veronica Angela Maria Vitto2, Paolo Pinton3
1Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy.
Abstract:
Multiple forms of regulated cell death (RCD) have been characterized, each of which originates from the activation of a dedicated molecular machinery. RCD can occur in purely physiological settings or upon failing cellular adaptation to stress. Ca2+ions have been shown to physically interact with - and hence regulate - various components of the RCD machinery. Moreover, intracellular Ca2+ accumulation can promote organellar dysfunction to degree that can be overtly cytotoxic or sensitize cells to RCD elicited by other stressors. Here, we provide an overview of the main links between Ca2+and different forms of RCD, including apoptosis, mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT)-driven necrosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, lysosome-dependent cell death, and parthanatos.
Insights
Calcium ions (Ca2+) are crucial regulators of multiple forms of cell death, influencing processes like apoptosis and necroptosis. Understanding these Ca2+ links is vital for cell death research.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
Background:
- Multiple forms of regulated cell death (RCD) are characterized by distinct molecular machinery.
- RCD occurs in physiological contexts and during cellular stress responses.
- Calcium ions (Ca2+) interact with and regulate key components of RCD pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of the relationship between Ca2+ and various RCD forms.
- To highlight the role of intracellular Ca2+ accumulation in cytotoxicity and stress sensitization.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research.
- Analysis of molecular interactions between Ca2+ and RCD pathways.
Main Results:
- Ca2+ directly regulates components of multiple RCD pathways.
- Intracellular Ca2+ overload can lead to organellar dysfunction and cell death.
- Ca2+ can sensitize cells to RCD induced by other stressors.
Conclusions:
- Ca2+ plays a significant regulatory role across diverse forms of RCD.
- Understanding Ca2+-RCD interplay is essential for comprehending cell death mechanisms.
- Further research into Ca2+ signaling in cell death is warranted.
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