The calcium–cancer signalling nexus

Abstract

Changes in the calcium signal enable cells to achieve specific outcomes. In this Review, Monteithet al. describe how the remodelling of the expression and activity of calcium channels and pumps in cancer cells can influence tumour progression. The calcium signal is a powerful and multifaceted tool by which cells can achieve specific outcomes. Cellular machinery important in tumour progression is often driven or influenced by changes in calcium ions; in some cases this regulation occurs within spatially defined regions. Over the past decade there has been a deeper understanding of how calcium signalling is remodelled in some cancers and the consequences of calcium signalling on key events such as proliferation, invasion and sensitivity to cell death. Specific calcium signalling pathways have also now been identified as playing important roles in the establishment and maintenance of multidrug resistance and the tumour microenvironment.