Calcium apoptotic signaling pathways

Sigma-2 receptors may represent components of a novel apoptotic pathway which could play a role in regulation of cell proliferation or in development. This pathway consists of intracellular membrane bound sigma-2 receptors, loeal-ized on organelles known to store calcium (endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria) and with the ability to cause release of calcium from these stores. Calcium signals may be utilized in normal eell signalling and/or for the induction of apoptosis. Elucidation of the apoptotic pathway will require delineation of the structure of sigma-2 receptors and other downstream proteins with which the receptor may interact. 

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