Calcium and cell death

Abstract

Calcium signalling system controls majority of cellular reactions. Calcium signals occurring within tightly regulated temporal and spatial domains, govern a host of Ca2+- dependent enzymes, which in turn determine specified cellular responses. Generation of Ca2+ signals is achieved through coordinated activity of several families of Ca2+ channels and transporters differentially distributed between intracellular compartments. Cell damage induced by environmental insults or by overstimulation of physiological pathways results in pathological Ca2+ signals, which trigger necrotic or apoptotic cellular death.