The chloride anion as a signalling effector

Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc. 2019 Oct;94(5):1839-1856. doi: 10.1111/brv.12536. Epub 2019 Jun 23.

Abstract

The specific role of the chloride anion (Cl- ) as a signalling effector or second messenger has been increasingly recognized in recent years. It could represent a key factor in the regulation of cellular homeostasis. Changes in intracellular Cl- concentration affect diverse cellular functions such as gene and protein expression and activities, post-translational modifications of proteins, cellular volume, cell cycle, cell proliferation and differentiation, membrane potential, reactive oxygen species levels, and intracellular/extracellular pH. Cl- also modulates functions in different organelles, including endosomes, phagosomes, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria. A better knowledge of Cl- signalling could help in understanding the molecular and metabolic changes seen in pathologies with altered Cl- transport or under physiological conditions. Here we review relevant evidence supporting the role of Cl- as a signalling effector.

Keywords: CFTR; Cl−; chloride anion; inflammation; intracellular signalling; oxidative stress; proinflammatory signal; second messenger; signal transduction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • Cell Cycle / drug effects
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Chlorides / physiology*
  • Enzymes / metabolism
  • Eukaryota / physiology*
  • Gene Expression / drug effects
  • Gene Expression / physiology
  • Immunity
  • Inflammation
  • Ion Channels / metabolism
  • Organelles
  • Phosphotransferases / physiology
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / drug effects
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*

Substances

  • Chlorides
  • Enzymes
  • Ion Channels
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Phosphotransferases