Lysosomal Calcium Channels in Autophagy and Cancer

• Main Authors: Yi Wu, Peng Huang, Xian-Ping Dong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-03-01
• Series: Cancers
• Subjects: lysosome; ion channel; calcium; autophagy; cancer
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/13/6/1299
• ISSN: 2072-6694

Ca²⁺ is pivotal intracellular messenger that coordinates multiple cell functions such as fertilization, growth, differentiation, and viability. Intracellular Ca²⁺ signaling is regulated by both extracellular Ca²⁺ entry and Ca²⁺ release from intracellular stores. Apart from working as the cellular recycling center, the lysosome has been increasingly recognized as a significant intracellular Ca²⁺ store that provides Ca²⁺ to regulate many cellular processes. The lysosome also talks to other organelles by releasing and taking up Ca²⁺. In lysosomal Ca²⁺-dependent processes, autophagy is particularly important, because it has been implicated in many human diseases including cancer. This review will discuss the major components of lysosomal Ca²⁺ stores and their roles in autophagy and human cancer progression.