Nuclear calcium signaling: a cell within a cell

Braz J Med Biol Res. 2009 Jan;42(1):17-20. doi: 10.1590/s0100-879x2008005000050. Epub 2008 Nov 7.

Abstract

Calcium (Ca2+) is a versatile second messenger that regulates a wide range of cellular functions. Although it is not established how a single second messenger coordinates diverse effects within a cell, there is increasing evidence that the spatial patterns of Ca2+ signals may determine their specificity. Ca2+ signaling patterns can vary in different regions of the cell and Ca2+ signals in nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments have been reported to occur independently. No general paradigm has been established yet to explain whether, how, or when Ca2+ signals are initiated within the nucleus or their function. Here we highlight that receptor tyrosine kinases rapidly translocate to the nucleus. Ca2+ signals that are induced by growth factors result from phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate hydrolysis and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation within the nucleus rather than within the cytoplasm. This novel signaling mechanism may be responsible for growth factor effects on cell proliferation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Calcium Signaling / physiology*
  • Cell Nucleus / enzymology
  • Cell Nucleus / physiology*
  • Cell Proliferation*
  • Humans
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases