REVIEW: Cross-Talk between Reactive Oxygen Species and Calcium in Living Cells

A. V. Gordeeva^*, R. A. Zvyagilskaya, and Y. A. Labas

Bach Institute of Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky pr. 33, Moscow 119071, Russia; fax: (7-095) 954-2732; E-mail: anna_gord@mail.ru

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received October 10, 2002; Revision received February 10, 2003

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The results of many investigations have shown that calcium is essential for production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Elevation of intracellular calcium level is responsible for activation of ROS-generating enzymes and formation of free radicals by the mitochondria respiratory chain. On the other hand, an increase in intracellular calcium concentration may be stimulated by ROS. H₂O₂ has been recently shown to accelerate the overall channel opening process in voltage-dependent calcium channels in plant and animal cells. The 1,4,5-inositol-triphosphate-receptors as well as the ryanodine receptors of sarcoplasmic reticulum have also been demonstrated to be redox-regulated. Activity of Ca²⁺-ATPases and Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchangers of animal cells are modulated by the intracellular redox state. Simultaneously, Ca²⁺ may activate antioxidant enzymes, such as plant catalase and glutathione reductase, and increase the level of superoxide dismutase in animal cells. Reviewed data support the speculation that Ca²⁺ and ROS are two cross-talking messengers in various cellular processes.

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KEY WORDS: antioxidant enzymes, calcium, calcium channels, ROS, ROS-generating enzymes, second messenger

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