Intracellular Ca2+ Signaling in Protozoan Parasites: An Overview with a Focus on Mitochondria

Author(s)

Scarpelli, Pedro H. ^[1] ; Pecenin, Mateus F. ^[1] ; Garcia, Celia R. S. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Pharmaceut Sci, Dept Clin & Toxicol Anal, Ave Prof Lineu Prestes, 580, Bloco 17, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES; v. 22, n. 1 JAN 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Ca2+ signaling has been involved in controling critical cellular functions such as activation of proteases, cell death, and cell cycle control. The endoplasmatic reticulum plays a significant role in Ca2+ storage inside the cell, but mitochondria have long been recognized as a fundamental Ca2+ pool. Protozoan parasites such as Plasmodium falciparum, Toxoplasma gondii, and Trypanosoma cruzi display a Ca2+ signaling toolkit with similarities to higher eukaryotes, including the participation of mitochondria in Ca2+-dependent signaling events. This review summarizes the most recent knowledge in mitochondrial Ca2+ signaling in protozoan parasites, focusing on the mechanism involved in mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake by pathogenic protists. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/08684-7 - Decoding Plasmodium signaling at molecular level as a new tool to the development of new antimalarials
• Grantee: Célia Regina da Silva Garcia
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/07177-7 - EMU concedido no processo 2011/51295-5: image system
• Grantee: Célia Regina da Silva Garcia
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program