Calcium signaling and cell proliferation

•Mechanisms of cytosolic Ca2 + entry in cell proliferation•STIM proteins and cell proliferation•Orai proteins and cell proliferation•Ca2 + signaling and gene transcription

Cell proliferation is orchestrated through diverse proteins related to calcium (Ca2 +) signaling inside the cell. Cellular Ca2 + influx that occurs first by various mechanisms at the plasma membrane, is then followed by absorption of Ca2 + ions by mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, and, finally, there is a connection of calcium stores to the nucleus. Experimental evidence indicates that the fluctuation of Ca2 + from the endoplasmic reticulum provides a pivotal and physiological role for cell proliferation. Ca2 + depletion in the endoplasmatic reticulum triggers Ca2 + influx across the plasma membrane in an phenomenon called store-operated calcium entries (SOCEs). SOCE is activated through a complex interplay between a Ca2 + sensor, denominated STIM, localized in the endoplasmic reticulum and a Ca2 + channel at the cell membrane, denominated Orai. The interplay between STIM and Orai proteins with cell membrane receptors and their role in cell proliferation is discussed in this review.

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