Calcium signaling and apoptosis

Ca2+ is one of the key regulators of cell survival, but Ca2+ can also induce apoptosis in response to a variety of pathological conditions. The pro-apoptotic effects of Ca2+ are mediated by a diverse range of Ca2+-sensitive factors that are compartmentalized in various intracellular organelles including the ER, cytoplasm, and mitochondria. The Ca2+ dynamics of these organelles appear to be modulated by the apoptosis-regulating Bcl-2 family proteins. In this paper, the recent progress of research on the mechanisms mediating the apoptosis-regulating effects of Ca2+ and the interactions of Bcl-2 family proteins with the Ca2+ storage organelles are discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.