Calcium signaling crosstalk between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, a new drug development strategies of kidney diseases

Abstract

Calcium (Ca²⁺) acts as a second messenger and constitutes a complex and large information exchange system between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria; this process is involved in various life activities, such as energy metabolism, cell proliferation and apoptosis. Increasing evidence has suggested that alterations in Ca²⁺ crosstalk between the ER and mitochondria, including alterations in ER and mitochondrial Ca²⁺ channels and related Ca²⁺ regulatory proteins, such as sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase (SERCA), inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R), and calnexin (CNX), are closely associated with the development of kidney disease. Therapies targeting intracellular Ca²⁺ signaling have emerged as an emerging field in the treatment of renal diseases. In this review, we focused on recent advances in Ca²⁺ signaling, ER and mitochondrial Ca²⁺ monitoring methods and Ca²⁺ homeostasis in the development of renal diseases and sought to identify new targets and insights for the treatment of renal diseases by targeting Ca²⁺ channels or related Ca²⁺ regulatory proteins.

Keywords: Calcium; Endoplasmic Reticulum; Kidney Diseases; Mitochondria; Mitochondrial Associated Membranes.