title: Calcium signaling in physiology and pathophysiology.
abstract: Calcium ions are the most ubiquitous and pluripotent cellular signaling molecules that control a wide variety of cellular processes. The calcium signaling system is represented by a relatively limited number of highly conserved transporters and channels, which execute Ca2+ movements across biological membranes and by many thousands of Ca2+-sensitive effectors. Molecular cascades, responsible for the generation of calcium signals, are tightly controlled by Ca2+ ions themselves and by genetic factors, which tune the expression of different Ca2+-handling molecules according to adaptational requirements. Ca2+ ions determine normal physiological reactions and the development of many pathological processes.
authors.forename: He-ping
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: Sheng
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wei
authors.forename: Li-ping
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Wei
authors.forename: Alexei
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Verkhratsky
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000378:metabolism; D020013:Calcium Signaling / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D015220:Calcium Channels; D002118:Calcium