Ca2+ signaling in cerebellar Purkinje neurons--editorial

Cerebellum. 2012 Sep;11(3):605-8. doi: 10.1007/s12311-012-0404-4.

Abstract

Tight regulation of calcium (Ca(2+)) dynamics is critical for all neurons. Ca(2+) is a major mediator of cellular excitability, synaptic plasticity, and regulation of transcription, amongst others. Recent years have seen major developments in terms of understanding the roles of Ca(2+) signals in the cerebellar circuitry, especially for Purkinje neurons and granule cells. The unique morphology of Purkinje neurons serves as a platform to unravel the secrets of Ca(2+) homeostasis in cerebellar microcircuits. This special issue covers recent advances in Ca(2+) signaling and imaging, and highlights the importance of spatiotemporal compartmentalization underlying Ca(2+) dynamics. Sorting out the pieces of the puzzle of homeostatic regulation of Ca(2+) remains an instrumental step to start rational therapies of Ca(2+) deregulation.

Publication types

  • Editorial
  • Introductory Journal Article

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials
  • Animals
  • Calcium Signaling / physiology*
  • Cerebellar Cortex / cytology
  • Cerebellar Cortex / physiology
  • Cerebellum / cytology
  • Cerebellum / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Models, Neurological
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Neurons / ultrastructure
  • Patch-Clamp Techniques
  • Purkinje Cells / physiology*