NCS-1 is a regulator of calcium signaling in health and disease

Neuronal Calcium Sensor-1 (NCS-1) is a highly conserved calcium binding protein which contributes to the maintenance of intracellular calcium homeostasis and regulation of calcium-dependent signaling pathways. It is involved in a variety of physiological cell functions, including exocytosis, regulation of calcium permeable channels, neuroplasticity and response to neuronal damage. Over the past 30 years, continuing investigation of cellular functions of NCS-1 and associated disease states have highlighted its function in the pathophysiology of several disorders and as a therapeutic target. Among the diseases that were found to be associated with NCS-1 are neurological disorders such as bipolar disease and non-neurological conditions such as breast cancer. Furthermore, alteration of NCS-1 expression is associated with substance abuse disorders and severe side effects of chemotherapeutic agents. The objective of this article is to summarize the current body of evidence describing NCS-1 and its interactions on a molecular and cellular scale, as well as describing macroscopic implications in physiology and medicine. Particular attention is paid to the role of NCS-1 in development and prevention of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).