Ca2+ accumulation in the mitochondria leads to mitochondrial membrane permeabilization by stimulating the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP, Orrenius et al., 2003). Opening of the mPTP results in the release of pro-apoptotic factors, in particular cytochrome c.

What is the role of calcium in apoptosis?

Ca2+ accumulation in the mitochondria leads to mitochondrial membrane permeabilization by stimulating the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP, Orrenius et al., 2003). Opening of the mPTP results in the release of pro-apoptotic factors, in particular cytochrome c.

How does calcium cause cell death?

Rising Ca(2+) concentration in the cytoplasm causes Ca(2+) influx into mitochondria and nuclei. In mitochondria Ca(2+) accelerates and disrupts normal metabolism leading to cell death. In nuclei Ca(2+) modulates gene transcription and nucleases that control cell apoptosis.

Which phospholipid is associated with apoptosis?

Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure enables the recognition of apoptotic cells by phagocytes.

Does calcium activate apoptosis?

It is now known that Ca2+-dependent processes are interwoven with the mainstream apoptosis executioners — the CASPASES — and recent findings indicate that interfering with the sequestration of Ca2+ into intracellular pools, that is, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), can be sufficient to trigger apoptosis as part of a …

What is the role of calcium in acute cell injury?

This elevated intracellular calcium concentration is responsible for cytoskeletal modifications which alter cell shape, the activation of phospholipases which results in perpetuation of membrane damage and finally, mitochondrial calcification.

How do you induce apoptosis in cell culture?

In cell lines intrinsic apoptosis can be induced by stimuli including removing growth factor supplements from cell media, exposure to UV light or by exerting other stressful conditions on the cell as shown on the left of Figure 1.

What is apoptosis and how it works?

Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death. It is used during early development to eliminate unwanted cells; for example, those between the fingers of a developing hand. In adults, apoptosis is used to rid the body of cells that have been damaged beyond repair. Apoptosis also plays a role in preventing cancer.

What role do phospholipids play in apoptosis?

Highlights. Human phospholipid scramblases (hPLSCRs) play vital roles in key cellular processes. hPLSCR1 triggers apoptosis by phosphatidylserine exposure mediated phagocytosis.

What happens to phosphatidylserine during apoptosis?

Abstract. Exposure of phosphatidylserine on the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane is a surface change common to many apoptotic cells. Normally restricted to the inner leaflet, phosphatidylserine appears as a result of decreased aminophospholipid translocase activity and activation of a calcium-dependent scramblase.

How does calcium ion influx cause cell injury?

On the one hand, calcium ions have been proposed as mediators of the functional consequences of plasma membrane injury. An influx of extracellular calcium ions across a damaged permeability barrier and down a steep concentration gradient may convert potentially reversible injury into irreversible injury.