Calcium regulation of immediate-early response genes

A rise in intracellular Ca2+ concentration induces the transcription of a number of eukaryotic genes through transcription factors interacting with calcium response elements. Immediate-early response genes encode proteins that couple extracellular signals to phenotypic alterations by modulating the transcription rates of target genes. Since the activation of early response genes occurs within minutes, this class of genes has served as a paradigm for the understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which external signals are conveyed to the nucleus to induce changes in genetic programs. In this review, we outline the recent information which has been gained specifically on how the Ca2+ messenger system modulates early response gene expression. We also discuss some lines of research with the intent of linking closer Ca2+ homeostasis and gene expression studies which in the past have followed their own separate routes.