Calcium ion influx in microglial cells: physiological and therapeutic significance.
Microglial cells, the immunocompetent cells of the central nervous system (CNS), exhibit a resting phenotype under healthy conditions. In response to injury, however, they transform into an activated state, which is a hallmark feature of many CNS diseases. Factors or agents released from the neurons, blood vessels, and/or astrocytes could activate these cells, leading to their functional and structural modifications. Microglial cells are well equipped to sense environmental changes within the brain under both physiological and pathological conditions. Entry of calcium ions (Ca(2+)) plays a critical role in the process of microglial transformation; several channels and receptors have been identified on the surface of microglial cells. These include store-operated channel, Orai1, and its sensor protein, stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), in microglial cells, and their functions are modulated under pathological stimulations. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and voltage- and ligand-gated channels (ionotropic and metabotropic receptors) are also responsible for Ca(2+) influx into the microglial cells. An elevation of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration subsequently regulates microglial cell functions by activating a diverse array of Ca(2+)-sensitive signaling cascades. Perturbed Ca(2+) homeostasis contributes to the progression of a number of CNS disorders. Thus, regulation of Ca(2+) entry into microglial cells could be a pharmacological target for several CNS-related pathological conditions. This Review addresses the recent insights into microglial cell Ca(2+) influx mechanisms, their roles in the regulation of functions, and alterations of Ca(2+) entry in specific CNS disorders.
All India Institute of Medical Sciences-Physiology, Basni Industrial Area Phase II Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
Purnima
P
Sharma
Liao
L
Ping
D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D020013:Calcium Signaling / Q000502:physiology; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D017628:Microglia / Q000378:metabolism*; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D000071737:Stromal Interaction Molecule 1; D050051:Transient Receptor Potential Channels / Q000378:metabolism
D008565:Membrane Proteins; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; C103530:STIM1 protein, human; D000071737:Stromal Interaction Molecule 1; D050051:Transient Receptor Potential Channels; D002118:Calcium
Ca2+ channels; calcium signaling; ionotropic receptors; metabotropic receptors; microglial cell