Ca2+ signaling and Src-kinases-controlled cellular functions

Abstract

Calcium-mediated signaling and the functionality of Src-family tyrosine kinases (SFKs) are two interconnected processes. Activation of these kinases, which are coupled to a series of receptors, mediates Ca²⁺ mobilization by regulating Ca²⁺ channels, and the generated Ca²⁺ signal in turn exerts control on the kinase activity via calmodulin. In this review, we shall cover the regulation of selected processes where crosstalk between the functionality of SFKs and the Ca²⁺ signal occurs during the lifespan of the cell, when subjected to different extracellular or intracellular stimuli. These events result in the modulation of many physiological processes, which are essential to maintain organismal homeostasis. We discuss the importance of these mechanisms, and the implicated signaling pathways on essential cellular processes, comprising proliferation, differentiation, cell adhesion, migration, cytoskeletal remodeling, oocyte fertilization, apoptosis and autophagy. Thereafter, we discuss the role that Ca²⁺ and SFKs exert in the control of selected physiological functions, including hormones/neurotransmitters release, striated and smooth muscle contraction, glomerular filtration, stress response, and the cellular response to viral and bacterial infections.

Keywords: Ca(2+) channels; Cell signaling; Phosphatases; Receptors; Src-family kinases.