Calcium Transport and Signaling in Mitochondria

ABSTRACT Calcium (Ca 2+ ) is a key player in the regulation of many cell functions. Just like Ca 2+ , mitochondria are ubiquitous, versatile, and dynamic players in determining both cell survival and death decisions. Given their ubiquitous nature, the regulation of both is deeply intertwined, whereby Ca 2+ regulates mitochondrial functions, while mitochondria shape Ca 2+ dynamics. Deregulation of either Ca 2+ or mitochondrial signaling leads to abnormal function, cell damage or even cell death, thereby contributing to muscle dysfunction or cardiac pathologies. Moreover, altered mitochondrial Ca 2+ homeostasis has been linked to metabolic diseases like cancer, obesity, and pulmonary hypertension. In this review article, we summarize the mechanisms that coordinate mitochondrial and Ca 2+ responses and how they affect human health. © 2017 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 7:623‐634, 2017.