Regulation of the intracellular calcium concentration in epithelial cells.
Epithelia, like other vertebrate cells, are equipped with an extensive network of signaling pathways, involved in the regulation of a large variety of distinct cellular functions. Amongst many the intracellular Ca2+ [Ca2+]i signal is the most common one. On the one hand, [Ca2+]i is involved in regulation functions of general cell physiology, such as the control of cell volume, cell growth or differentiation. On the other hand, [Ca2+]i controls epithelia-specific functions like the regulation of transepithelial solute transport. This short overview addresses the various aspects of Ca2+ signaling in epithelia. It is emphasized that [Ca2+]i is a spatially restricted signal, permitting the distinct regulation of one cellular response. Evidence will be discussed indicating that the functional epithelial polarity is paralleled by polarized membrane receptors and polarized [Ca2+]i signals, regulating the apical and basolateral membranes differentially.
Leipziger
J
J
Physiologisches Institut, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Freiburg, Deutschland.
Nitschke
R
R
Greger
R
R
D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000502:physiology; D002460:Cell Line; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D004848:Epithelium / Q000378:metabolism; D007424:Intracellular Fluid / Q000378:metabolism*; D017136:Ion Transport / Q000502:physiology; D007668:Kidney / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*
D002118:Calcium