Bcl-2 Family Proteins Regulate Apoptosis and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition by Calcium Signals

Curr Pharm Des. 2016;22(30):4700-4704. doi: 10.2174/1381612822666160506125937.

Abstract

Intracellular Ca2+ signal plays a major role in many cellular processes, such as apoptosis and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). The role of Ca2+ in apoptotic signaling has been investigated deeply over the past few decades. In recent years, it has made progress in the interactions of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis with EMT. Besides, Bcl-2 family proteins as versatile regulators of cell apoptosis not only regulate Ca2+ signal, but also play an important role in the induction of EMT. In this review, we summarized the relations among intracellular Ca2+ concentration, apoptosis and Bcl-2 family proteins. We also discussed the functions of intracellular Ca2+ concentration and Bcl-2 family proteins in EMT. By taking into account these analyses; we proposed a hypothesis of cell death and survival controlled by calcium signal.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis*
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Calcium Signaling*
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition*
  • Humans
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / metabolism*

Substances

  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
  • Calcium