Abstract

Ca²⁺ is a highly versatile intracellular signal that operates over a wide temporal range to regulate many different cellular processes. An extensive Ca²⁺-signalling toolkit is used to assemble signalling systems with very different spatial and temporal dynamics. Rapid highly localized Ca²⁺ spikes regulate fast responses, whereas slower responses are controlled by repetitive global Ca²⁺ transients or intracellular Ca²⁺ waves. Ca²⁺ has a direct role in controlling the expression patterns of its signalling systems that are constantly being remodelled in both health and disease.

Author affiliations

1. Laboratory of Molecular Signalling, The Babraham Institute, Babraham, Cambridge CB2 4AT, UK.

Correspondence to: Michael J. Berridge¹ Email: michael.berridge@bbsrc.ac.uk