Calcium signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells: from physiology to pathology

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2012:740:795-810. doi: 10.1007/978-94-007-2888-2_35.

Abstract

Cyclic variations in calcium (Ca(2+)) concentrations, through a process called excitation-contraction coupling, allow regulation of vascular smooth muscle cells contractility and thus modulation of vascular tone and blood pressure. As a second messenger, Ca(2+) also activates signaling cascades leading to transcription factors activation in a process called excitation-transcription coupling. Furthermore, recent evidences indicate an interaction between post-transcriptional regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs) and Ca(2+) signaling. All these actors, which are frequently altered in vascular diseases, will be reviewed here.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Calcium Channels / physiology
  • Calcium Signaling / physiology*
  • Excitation Contraction Coupling
  • Humans
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / metabolism*
  • Sarcoplasmic Reticulum / metabolism
  • Vascular Diseases / metabolism

Substances

  • Calcium Channels
  • Calcium