Regulation of store-operated Ca2+ entry during the cell cycle

Abstract

Cytoplasmic Ca2+ signals are central to numerous cell physiological processes, including cellular proliferation. Historically, much of the research effort in this area has focused on the role of Ca2+ signals in cell-cycle progression. It is becoming clear, however, that the relationship between Ca2+ signaling and the cell cycle is a ‘two-way street’. Specifically, Ca2+-signaling pathways are remodeled during M phase, leading to altered Ca2+ dynamics. Such remodeling probably better serves the large variety of functions that cells must perform during cell division compared with during interphase. This is clearly the case during oocyte meiosis, because remodeling of Ca2+ signals partially defines the competence of the egg to activate at fertilization. Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is a ubiquitous Ca2+-signaling pathway that is regulated during M phase. In this Commentary, we discuss the latest advances in our understanding of how SOCE is regulated during cell division.