Ca 2+ signaling in cerebellar purkinje neurons - Editorial

Abstract

Tight regulation of calcium (Ca 2+) dynamics is critical for all neurons. Ca 2+ is a major mediator of cellular excitability, synaptic plasticity, and regulation of transcription, amongst others. Recent years have seen major developments in terms of understanding the roles of Ca 2+ signals in the cerebellar circuitry, especially for Purkinje neurons and granule cells. The unique morphology of Purkinje neurons serves as a platform to unravel the secrets of Ca 2+ homeostasis in cerebellar microcircuits. This special issue covers recent advances in Ca 2+ signaling and imaging, and highlights the importance of spatiotemporal compartmentalization underlying Ca 2+ dynamics. Sorting out the pieces of the puzzle of homeostatic regulation of Ca 2+ remains an instrumental step to start rational therapies of Ca 2+ deregulation. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2012.