Cell proliferation, calcium influx and calcium channels

Both increases in the basal cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) and [Ca2+]cyt transients play major roles in cell cycle progression, cell proliferation and division. Calcium transients are observed at various stages of cell cycle and more specifically during late G1 phase, before and during mitosis. These calcium transients are mainly due to calcium release and reuptake by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and are observed over periods of hours in oocytes and mammalian cells. Calcium entry sustains the ER Ca2+ load and thereby helps to maintain these calcium transients for such a long period. Calcium influx also controls cell growth and proliferation in several cell types. Various calcium channels are involved in this process and the tight relation between the expression and activity of cyclins and calcium channels also suggests that calcium entry may be needed only at particular stages of the cell cycle. Consistent with this idea, the expression of l-type and T-type calcium channels and SOCE amplitude fluctuate along the cell cycle. But, as calcium influx regulates several other transduction pathways, the presence of a specific connection to trigger activation of proliferation and cell division in mammalian cells will be discussed in this review.

► We have examined the role of calcium channels in cell proliferation.
► We have examined the role of calcium channels in cell cycle progression.
► Cell proliferation depends on external calcium.
► Transformed cells have a very low sensitivity to external calcium.