Regulation of the intracellular calcium concentration in epithelial cells

Kidney Blood Press Res. 1996;19(3-4):148-50. doi: 10.1159/000174062.

Abstract

Epithelia, like other vertebrate cells, are equipped with an extensive network of signaling pathways, involved in the regulation of a large variety of distinct cellular functions. Amongst many the intracellular Ca2+ [Ca2+]i signal is the most common one. On the one hand, [Ca2+]i is involved in regulation functions of general cell physiology, such as the control of cell volume, cell growth or differentiation. On the other hand, [Ca2+]i controls epithelia-specific functions like the regulation of transepithelial solute transport. This short overview addresses the various aspects of Ca2+ signaling in epithelia. It is emphasized that [Ca2+]i is a spatially restricted signal, permitting the distinct regulation of one cellular response. Evidence will be discussed indicating that the functional epithelial polarity is paralleled by polarized membrane receptors and polarized [Ca2+]i signals, regulating the apical and basolateral membranes differentially.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Cell Division / physiology
  • Cell Line
  • Epithelial Cells
  • Epithelium / metabolism
  • Intracellular Fluid / metabolism*
  • Ion Transport / physiology
  • Kidney / cytology
  • Kidney / metabolism*
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*

Substances

  • Calcium