A role for calcium in Bcl-2 action?

Changes in the cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](c)) translate a variety of extracellular signals into widely diverse intracellular effects, ranging from secretion to movement, proliferation and also cell death. As regards the last one, it has long been known that large [Ca(2+)](c) increases lead cells to death. More recently, experimental evidence has been obtained that the oncogene Bcl-2 reduces the state of filling of intracellular Ca(2+) stores and thus affects the Ca(2+) responses induced by physiological and pathological stimuli. In this contribution, we will discuss this effect and its significance for the mechanism of action of Bcl-2, an important checkpoint of the apoptotic process.