The regulatory role of mitochondria in capacitative calcium entry

Biochim Biophys Acta. 2006 May-Jun;1757(5-6):380-7. doi: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2006.04.017. Epub 2006 May 4.

Abstract

Capacitative regulation of calcium entry is a major mechanism of Ca2+ influx into electrically non-excitable cells, but it also operates in some excitable ones. It participates in the refilling of intracellular calcium stores and in the generation of Ca2+ signals in excited cells. The mechanism which couples depletion of intracellular calcium stores located in the endoplasmic reticulum with opening of store-operated calcium channels in the plasma membrane is not clearly understood. Mitochondria located in close proximity to Ca2+ channels are exposed to high Ca2+ concentration, and therefore, they are able to accumulate this cation effectively. This decreases local Ca2+ concentration and thereby affects calcium-dependent processes, such as depletion and refilling of the intracellular calcium stores and opening of the store-operated channels. Finally, mitochondria modulate the intensity and the duration of calcium signals induced by extracellular stimuli. Ca2+ uptake by mitochondria requires these organelles to be in the energized state. On the other hand, Ca2+ flux into mitochondria stimulates energy metabolism. To sum up, mitochondria couple cellular metabolism with calcium homeostasis and signaling.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium / physiology*
  • Calcium Channels / physiology
  • Calcium Signaling
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Cytosol / metabolism
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Mitochondria / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Calcium Channels
  • Calcium