Calcium signaling in the ER: its role in neuronal plasticity and neurodegenerative disorders

• Published in: Trends in Neurosciences 2000-05, Vol.23 (5), p.222-229
• Main Authors: Mattson, Mark P, LaFerla, Frank M, Chan, Sic L, Leissring, Malcolm A, Shepel, P.Nickolas, Geiger, Jonathan D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Calcium; Calcium Signaling - physiology; Endoplasmic reticulum; Endoplasmic Reticulum - physiology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects. Models. Methods; Humans; Intracellular signalling; Neurodegenerative Diseases - physiopathology; Neurodegenerative disorders; Neuronal plasticity; Neuronal Plasticity - physiology; Signalling; Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs
• ISSN: 0166-2236; 1878-108X
• DOI: 10.1016/S0166-2236(00)01548-4

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a multifaceted organelle that regulates protein synthesis and trafficking, cellular responses to stress, and intracellular Ca 2+ levels. In neurons, it is distributed between the cellular compartments that regulate plasticity and survival, which include axons, dendrites, growth cones and synaptic terminals. Intriguing communication networks between ER, mitochondria and plasma membrane are being revealed that provide mechanisms for the precise regulation of temporal and spatial aspects of Ca 2+ signaling. Alterations in Ca 2+ homeostasis in ER contribute to neuronal apoptosis and excitotoxicity, and are being linked to the pathogenesis of several different neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and stroke.