Mechanisms of cytosolic calcium elevation in plants: the role of ion channels, calcium extrusion systems and NADPH oxidase-mediated 'ROS-Ca2+ Hub'

Elevation in the cytosolic free calcium is crucial for plant growth, development and adaptation. Calcium influx into plant cells is mediated by Ca2+ depolarisation-activated, hyperpolarisation-activated and voltage-independent Ca2+-permeable channels (DACCs, HACCs and VICCs respectively). These channels are encoded by the following gene families: (1) cyclic nucleotide-gated channels (CNGCs), (2) ionotropic glutamate receptors (GLRs), (3) annexins, (4) 'mechanosensitive channels of small (MscS) conductance'-like channels (MSLs), (5) 'mid1-complementing activity' channels (MCAs), Piezo channels, and hyperosmolality-induced [Ca2+]cyt. channel 1 (OSCA1). Also, a 'tandem-pore channel1' (TPC1) catalyses Ca2+ efflux from the vacuole in response to the plasma membrane-mediated Ca2+ elevation. Recent experimental data demonstrated that Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. CNGCs 2, 5-10, 14, 16 and 18, GLRs 1.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.6 and 3.7, TPC1, ANNEXIN1, MSL9 and MSL10,MCA1 and MCA2, OSCA1, and some their homologues counterparts in other species, are responsible for Ca2+ currents and/or cytosolic Ca2+ elevation. Extrusion of Ca2+ from the cytosol is mediated by Ca2+-ATPases and Ca2+/H+ exchangers which were recently examined at the level of high resolution crystal structure. Calcium-activated NADPH oxidases and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-activated Ca2+ conductances form a self-amplifying 'ROS-Ca2+hub', enhancing and transducing Ca2+ and redox signals. The ROS-Ca2+ hub contributes to physiological reactions controlled by ROS and Ca2+, demonstrating synergism and unity of Ca2+ and ROS signalling mechanisms.