Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kv10.1

Title: Calcium signals and calcium channels in osteoblastic cells.

Authors: R L Duncan, K A Akanbi, M C Farach-Carson

Journal, date & volume: Semin. Nephrol., 1998 Mar , 18, 178-90

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9541272

Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+) channels are present in non-excitable as well as in excitable cells. In bone cells of the osteoblast lineage, Ca2+ channels play fundamental roles in cellular responses to external stimuli including both mechanical forces and hormonal signals. They are also proposed to modulate paracrine signaling between bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-resorbing osteoclasts at local sites of bone remodeling. Calcium signals are characterized by transient increases in intracellular Ca2+ levels that are associated with activation of intracellular signaling pathways that control cell behavior and phenotype, including patterns of gene expression. Development of Ca2+ signals is a tightly regulated cellular process that involves the concerted actions of plasma membrane and intracellular Ca2+ channels, along with Ca2+ pumps and exchangers. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge concerning the structure, function, and role of Ca2+ channels and Ca2+ signals in bone cells, focusing on the osteoblast.