Calcium handling

Calcium handling" refers to the integrated cellular processes that control the entry, buffering, storage, and release of calcium ions (Ca²⁺) within cells. This involves multiple specialized proteins, including ion channels (such as voltage-gated calcium channels and ryanodine receptors), transporters (SERCA, Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchangers), and signaling molecules (e.g., calmodulin). Proper calcium handling underlies essential functions such as muscle contraction, neuronal communication, gene transcription, cell growth, apoptosis, and fertilization. Dysregulation of calcium handling is implicated in cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, muscle disorders, and cancer. "Calcium handling" is not a single molecular species or drug target, but an umbrella term for tightly regulated biological pathways essential for cellular function[4][6][7][10]. If you require details about specific proteins or molecular targets within calcium handling (e.g., "L-type calcium channel", "Ryanodine receptor 2", "SERCA"), please specify, as those are individually recognized therapeutic and research targets.

Other names

Calcium homeostasiscalcium regulationcellular calcium signalingcalcium metabolism

Inhibition or modulation of calcium channels/receptors (blockers reduce calcium influx); Inhibition of calcium transporters/ATPases (affect cytosolic calcium levels); Modulation of calcium exchange (e.g., Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger in cardiac therapy)