Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor in the liver: Expression and function

World J Gastroenterol. 2019 Nov 28;25(44):6483-6494. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i44.6483.

Abstract

The liver is a complex organ that performs several functions to maintain homeostasis. These functions are modulated by calcium, a second messenger that regulates several intracellular events. In hepatocytes and cholangiocytes, which are the epithelial cell types in the liver, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) receptors (ITPR) are the only intracellular calcium release channels. Three isoforms of the ITPR have been described, named type 1, type 2 and type 3. These ITPR isoforms are differentially expressed in liver cells where they regulate distinct physiological functions. Changes in the expression level of these receptors correlate with several liver diseases and hepatic dysfunctions. In this review, we highlight how the expression level, modulation, and localization of ITPR isoforms in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes play a role in hepatic homeostasis and liver pathology.

Keywords: Calcium signaling; Hepatocytes and cholangiocytes; Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor; Liver.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic / cytology
  • Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic / metabolism*
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Calcium Signaling*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Hepatocytes / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors / metabolism*
  • Liver / cytology
  • Liver / metabolism*
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Diseases / pathology*
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism

Substances

  • Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Calcium