Endoplasmic Reticulum-Mitochondria Communication Through Ca2+ Signaling: The Importance of Mitochondria-Associated Membranes (MAMs)

S Marchi, M Bittremieux, S Missiroli, C Morganti… - Organelle Contact Sites …, 2017 - Springer
S Marchi, M Bittremieux, S Missiroli, C Morganti, S Patergnani, L Sbano, A Rimessi
Organelle Contact Sites: From Molecular Mechanism to Disease, 2017Springer
The execution of proper Ca 2+ signaling requires close apposition between the
endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria. Hence, Ca 2+ released from the ER is “quasi-
synaptically” transferred to mitochondrial matrix, where Ca 2+ stimulates mitochondrial ATP
synthesis by activating the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. However, when the Ca 2+ transfer
is excessive and sustained, mitochondrial Ca 2+ overload induces apoptosis by opening the
mitochondrial permeability transition pore. A large number of regulatory proteins reside at …
Abstract
The execution of proper Ca2+ signaling requires close apposition between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria. Hence, Ca2+ released from the ER is “quasi-synaptically” transferred to mitochondrial matrix, where Ca2+ stimulates mitochondrial ATP synthesis by activating the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. However, when the Ca2+ transfer is excessive and sustained, mitochondrial Ca2+ overload induces apoptosis by opening the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. A large number of regulatory proteins reside at mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs) to maintain the optimal distance between the organelles and to coordinate the functionality of both ER and mitochondrial Ca2+ transporters or channels. In this chapter, we discuss the different pathways involved in the regulation of ER-mitochondria Ca2+ flux and describe the activities of the various Ca2+ players based on their primary intra-organelle localization.
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