The mitochondrial Ca2Â + uniporter complex

Calcium influx into the mitochondrial matrix plays important roles in the regulation of cell death pathways, bioenergetics and cytoplasmic Ca2 + signals. During the last few years, several molecular components of the inner membrane mitochondrial Ca2 + uniporter, the dominant pathway for Ca2 + influx into the mitochondrial matrix, have been identified. The uniporter is now recognized as a complex of proteins that include a Ca2 + pore forming component and accessory proteins that are either required for its channel activity or regulate it under various conditions. This review summarizes recent discoveries about the molecular basis of the uniporter complex. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Mitochondria: From Basic Mitochondrial Biology to Cardiovascular Disease."