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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Monitoring Dynamic Changes In Mitochondrial Calcium Levels During Apoptosis Using A Genetically Encoded Calcium Sensor
Published on: April 1, 2011
Block of neuronal apoptosis by a sustained increase of steady-state free Ca2+ concentration
1Department of Molecular Biology and Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110.
Abstract:
Programmed death is a ubiquitous feature of the development of the vertebrate nervous system. This death is prevented in vivo by trophic factors and by afferent input. Death of neurons can also be prevented in culture models of programmed death by trophic factors and by chronic depolarization with elevated concentrations of K+ in the culture medium. The latter effect is mediated by Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated channels and may prevent death by mimicking survival-promoting effects of naturally occurring electrical activity. Little is currently known about the mechanism by which either trophic factors or increased cytoplasmic Ca2+ promote survival.
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