MCU (mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter) makes the calcium go round

Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is a major mechanism controlling Ca2+ signaling and Ca2+-dependent functions and has been implicated in immunity, cancer, and organ development. SOCE-dependent cytosolic Ca2+ signals are affected by mitochondrial Ca2+ transport through several competing mechanisms. However, how these mechanisms interact in shaping Ca2+ dynamics and regulating Ca2+-dependent functions remains unclear. In a recent issue, Yoast et al. shed light on these questions by defining multiple roles of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter in regulating SOCE, Ca2+ dynamics, transcription, and lymphocyte activation.

Automated summary

Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is a major mechanism controlling Ca2+ signaling and Ca2+-dependent functions. The mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter plays multiple roles in regulating SOCE, Ca2+ dynamics, transcription, and lymphocyte activation.