IP3 Receptors, Mitochondria, and Ca2+ Signaling: Implications for Aging

• Main Authors: Jean-Paul Decuypere, Giovanni Monaco, Ludwig Missiaen, Humbert De Smedt, Jan B. Parys, Geert Bultynck
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hindawi Limited 2011-01-01
• Series: Journal of Aging Research
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.4061/2011/920178

The tight interplay between endoplasmic-reticulum-(ER-) and mitochondria-mediated Ca2+ signaling is a key determinant of cellular health and cellular fate through the control of apoptosis and autophagy. Proteins that prevent or promote apoptosis and autophagy can affect intracellular Ca2+ dynamics and homeostasis through binding and modulation of the intracellular Ca2+-release and Ca2+-uptake mechanisms. During aging, oxidative stress becomes an additional factor that affects ER and mitochondrial function and thus their role in Ca2+ signaling. Importantly, mitochondrial dysfunction and sustained mitochondrial damage are likely to underlie part of the aging process. In this paper, we will discuss the different mechanisms that control intracellular Ca2+ signaling with respect to apoptosis and autophagy and review how these processes are affected during aging through accumulation of reactive oxygen species.