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Intracellular calcium waves generated by Ins(1,4,5)P3-dependent mechanisms
1Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA.
Cell Calcium
|November 1, 1993
Summary
Cellular calcium signals often appear as waves. This review explores how these calcium waves are organized spatially and the mechanisms driving their initiation and propagation within cells.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
Background:
- Cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) oscillations occur in many cell types stimulated by receptor agonists.
- These oscillations are often mediated by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) signaling pathways.
- Observed [Ca2+]i oscillations are frequently organized as propagating waves through the cell cytosol.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the factors influencing the spatial organization of [Ca2+]i signals.
- To describe potential mechanisms for the initiation of Ca2+ waves.
- To explain the mechanisms underlying Ca2+ wave propagation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies examining [Ca2+]i oscillations.
- Analysis of research utilizing high spatial and temporal resolution imaging.
- Synthesis of findings on Ca2+ wave organization and dynamics.
Main Results:
- [Ca2+]i oscillations manifest as propagating Ca2+ waves in stimulated cells.
- Ca2+ waves can be repetitive or occur as a single pass.
- Factors influencing spatial organization and propagation mechanisms are discussed.
Conclusions:
- Ca2+ waves represent a key mode of cellular calcium signaling.
- Understanding wave initiation and propagation is crucial for cell function.
- This review synthesizes current knowledge on the spatial dynamics of [Ca2+]i signals.