The renaissance of mitochondrial calcium transport. |
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Authors: | T Pozzan R Rizzuto |
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Institution: | Department of Biomedical Sciences and CNR Center for the Study of Biomembranes, University of Padova, Italy. pozzant@civ.bio.unipd.it |
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Abstract: | Although the capacity of mitochondria for accumulating Ca2+ down the electrical gradient generated by the respiratory chain has been known for over three decades, the physiological significance of this phenomenon has been re-evaluated only recently. Indeed, it was long believed that the low affinity of the mitochondrial Ca2+ transporters would allow significant uptake only in conditions of cellular Ca2+ overload. Conversely, the direct measurement of Ca2+] in the mitochondrial matrix revealed major Ca2+] increases upon agonist stimulation. In this review, we will summarize: (a) the mechanisms that allow this large response, reconciling the biochemical properties of the transporters and the large amplitude of the mitochondrial Ca2+] rises, and (b) the biological role of mitochondrial Ca2+ signalling, that encompasses the regulation of mitochondrial function and the modulation of the spatio-temporal pattern of cytosolic Ca2+] increases. |
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