Calcium signalling and calcium channels: Evolution and general principles

Abstract

Calcium as a divalent ion was selected early in evolution as a signaling molecule to be used by both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Its low cytosolic concentration likely reflects the initial concentration of this ion in the primordial soup/ocean as unicellular organisms were formed. As the concentration of calcium in the ocean subsequently increased, so did the diversity of homeostatic molecules. This includes the plasma membrane channels that allowed the calcium entry, as well as extrusion mechanisms, i.e., exchangers and pumps. Further diversification occurred with the evolution of intracellular organelles, in particular the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, which also contain channels, exchanger(s) and pumps to handle the homeostasis of calcium ions. Calcium signalling system, based around coordinated interactions of the above molecular entities, can be activated by the opening of voltage-gated channels, by neurotransmitters, by second messengers and/or mechanical stimulation, and as such is all-pervading pathway in physiology and pathophysiology of organisms.

Tracing the Evolutionary History of Inositol, 1, 4, 5-Trisphosphate Receptor: Insights from Analyses ofCapsaspora owczarzakiCa2+Release Channel Orthologs

“…Since the origin of life in the primordial ocean, calcium ions (Ca 2+ ) have played pivotal roles in the survival, proliferation and growth of all life forms (Case, et al 2007; Plattner and Verkhratsky 2013; Verkhratsky and Parpura 2014). Both prokaryotes and eukaryotes have evolved complex molecular systems of buffers, channels, transporters, pumps, and exchangers to ensure Ca 2+ homeostasis and enable the regulation of downstream effectors (Berridge, et al 2000; Berridge, et al 2003; Verkhratsky and Parpura 2014).…”

“…Both prokaryotes and eukaryotes have evolved complex molecular systems of buffers, channels, transporters, pumps, and exchangers to ensure Ca 2+ homeostasis and enable the regulation of downstream effectors (Berridge, et al 2000; Berridge, et al 2003; Verkhratsky and Parpura 2014). The appropriate spatiotemporal activation of Ca 2+ sensitive effectors, in turn, is utilized to coordinate a myriad of cellular activities (Berridge, et al 2003; Iino 2010).…”

“…To control Ca 2+ influx and extrusion, the plasma membrane in eukaryotes is studded with Ca 2+ permeable channels including voltage-gated and ligand-gated Ca 2+ channels, plasma membrane Ca 2+ ATPase, store-operated Ca 2+ channels and transient receptor (TRP) channels (Catterall 2000; Clapham 2007; Gees, et al 2010; Brini, et al 2012). Furthermore, the acquisition of intracellular membranes and evolution of organelles have enabled eukaryotes to sequester Ca 2+ and establish intracellular stores that can be emptied and refilled as needed (Berridge, et al 2000; Case, et al 2007; Plattner and Verkhratsky 2013; Verkhratsky and Parpura 2014). These Ca 2+ stores are equipped with pumps which replenish the stores and thus maintain low intracellular [Ca 2+ ], and channels which when gated, direct the flow of Ca 2+ into the cytoplasm.…”

Early Evolution of the Eukaryotic Ca2+ Signaling Machinery: Conservation of the CatSper Channel Complex

“…The core principles of Ca 2+ signaling emerged very early in the life processes of bacteria (Case et al 2007; Verkhratsky and Parpura 2013). The appearance of eukaryotes with intracellular organelles and the independent evolution of multicellular organisms from diverse ancestral unicellular lineages (Rokas 2008) prompted the refinement of versatile and complex Ca 2+ signaling systems, which provide precise spatial and temporal control of Ca 2+ concentration.…”

Sigma-1 receptors and animal studies centered on pain and analgesia

“…3-a androstanediol, also an antagonist, prevents paclitaxel neuropathy [139][140][141][142][143]. Intraperitoneal progesterone in SNL-injured male SpragueDawley rats reduces mechanical allodynia in the early phase of injury but not in the late phase (10 days post-SNL).…”