Calcium signaling in cardiac myocytes

Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol. 2011 Nov 1;3(11):a004242. doi: 10.1101/cshperspect.a004242.

Abstract

Calcium (Ca(2+)) is a critical regulator of cardiac myocyte function. Principally, Ca(2+) is the link between the electrical signals that pervade the heart and contraction of the myocytes to propel blood. In addition, Ca(2+) controls numerous other myocyte activities, including gene transcription. Cardiac Ca(2+) signaling essentially relies on a few critical molecular players--ryanodine receptors, voltage-operated Ca(2+) channels, and Ca(2+) pumps/transporters. These moieties are responsible for generating Ca(2+) signals upon cellular depolarization, recovery of Ca(2+) signals following cellular contraction, and setting basal conditions. Whereas these are the central players underlying cardiac Ca(2+) fluxes, networks of signaling mechanisms and accessory proteins impart complex regulation on cardiac Ca(2+) signals. Subtle changes in components of the cardiac Ca(2+) signaling machinery, albeit through mutation, disease, or chronic alteration of hemodynamic demand, can have profound consequences for the function and phenotype of myocytes. Here, we discuss mechanisms underlying Ca(2+) signaling in ventricular and atrial myocytes. In particular, we describe the roles and regulation of key participants involved in Ca(2+) signal generation and reversal.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium / chemistry
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Calcium Channels / physiology
  • Calcium Signaling*
  • Mammals / physiology
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / chemistry*
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / metabolism
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / physiology
  • Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channel / metabolism
  • Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channel / physiology

Substances

  • Calcium Channels
  • Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channel
  • Calcium