Mitochondrial Calcium Uniporter Structure and Function in Different Types of Muscle Tissues in Health and Disease

Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Sep 28;20(19):4823. doi: 10.3390/ijms20194823.

Abstract

Calcium ions (Ca2+) influx to mitochondrial matrix is crucial for the life of a cell. Mitochondrial calcium uniporter (mtCU) is a protein complex which consists of the pore-forming subunit (MCU) and several regulatory subunits. MtCU is the main contributor to inward Ca2+ currents through the inner mitochondrial membrane. Extensive investigations of mtCU involvement into normal and pathological molecular pathways started from the moment of discovery of its molecular components. A crucial role of mtCU in the control of these pathways is now recognized in both health and disease. In particular, impairments of mtCU function have been demonstrated for cardiovascular and skeletal muscle-associated pathologies. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on mtCU structure, regulation, and function in different types of muscle tissues in health and disease.

Keywords: calcium; calcium homeostasis; calcium signaling; mitochondrial calcium uniporter; myocardium; regulatory pathways; skeletal muscle; smooth muscle.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium / chemistry
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Calcium Channels / chemistry*
  • Calcium Channels / metabolism*
  • Calcium Signaling
  • Disease Susceptibility*
  • Electrophysiological Phenomena
  • Humans
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Muscle, Smooth / metabolism
  • Muscles / metabolism*
  • Myocardium / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Calcium Channels
  • mitochondrial calcium uniporter
  • Calcium