Calcium and ROS: A mutual interplay

• Published in: Redox biology 2015-12, Vol.6, p.260-271
• Main Authors: Görlach, Agnes, Bertram, Katharina, Hudecova, Sona, Krizanova, Olga
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Calcium - metabolism; Calcium Channels - genetics; Calcium Channels - metabolism; Calcium Signaling; Cell Death - genetics; Cell Membrane - metabolism; Endoplasmic Reticulum - metabolism; Eukaryotic Cells - metabolism; Eukaryotic Cells - ultrastructure; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Mitochondria - metabolism; NADPH Oxidases - genetics; NADPH Oxidases - metabolism; Oxidative Stress; Plasma Membrane Calcium-Transporting ATPases - genetics; Plasma Membrane Calcium-Transporting ATPases - metabolism; Reactive Oxygen Species - metabolism; Review
• ISSN: 2213-2317; 2213-2317
• DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2015.08.010

Calcium is an important second messenger involved in intra- and extracellular signaling cascades and plays an essential role in cell life and death decisions. The Ca(2+) signaling network works in many different ways to regulate cellular processes that function over a wide dynamic range due to the action of buffers, pumps and exchangers on the plasma membrane as well as in internal stores. Calcium signaling pathways interact with other cellular signaling systems such as reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although initially considered to be potentially detrimental byproducts of aerobic metabolism, it is now clear that ROS generated in sub-toxic levels by different intracellular systems act as signaling molecules involved in various cellular processes including growth and cell death. Increasing evidence suggests a mutual interplay between calcium and ROS signaling systems which seems to have important implications for fine tuning cellular signaling networks. However, dysfunction in either of the systems might affect the other system thus potentiating harmful effects which might contribute to the pathogenesis of various disorders.