[Experimental and computational approach of calcium signaling]

Abstract

In many cell types, specific and robust signalling relies on a high level of spatiotemporal organization of Ca(2+) dynamics. In response to external stimulation, Ca(2+) signals ranging from a small increase of a few tens of nanomolar concentrations at the mouth of an inositol 1, 4, 5-trisphosphate receptor to the periodic propagation of waves invading an organ or a tissue, can be observed. Here, we review our combined experimental and computational approach of Ca(2+) dynamics, which has been mainly carried out on liver hepatocytes. We focus in particular on the understanding of the relationship between elementary Ca(2+) increases, Ca(2+) oscillations and intra- or intercellular Ca(2+) waves. The physiological impact of such signalling on liver function is also discussed.