%0 Journal Article %T Calcium signaling in physiology and pathophysiology %A Cheng He-ping %A Wei Sheng %A Wei Li-ping %A Verkhratsky Alexei %J Acta Pharmacologica Sinica %D 2016 %B 2016 %9 %! Calcium signaling in physiology and pathophysiology %K %X Calcium ions are the most ubiquitous and pluripotent cellular signaling molecules that control a wide variety of cellular processes. The calcium signaling system is represented by a relatively limited number of highly conserved transporters and channels, which execute Ca 2+ movements across biological membranes and by many thousands of Ca 2+ -sensitive effectors. Molecular cascades, responsible for the generation of calcium signals, are tightly controlled by Ca 2+ ions themselves and by genetic factors, which tune the expression of different Ca 2+ -handling molecules according to adaptational requirements. Ca 2+ ions determine normal physiological reactions and the development of many pathological processes. %U http://www.chinaphar.com/article/view/3996 %V 27 %N 7 %P 767–772 %@ 1745-7254