Calcium, mitochondria and cell metabolism: A functional triangle in bioenergetics

The versatility of mitochondrial metabolism and its fine adjustments to specific physiological or pathological conditions regulate fundamental cell pathways, ranging from proliferation to apoptosis. In particular, Ca2+ signalling has emerged as a key player exploited by mitochondria to tune their activity according with cell demand. The functional interaction between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) deeply impacts on the correct mitochondrial Ca2+ signal, thus modulating cell bioenergetics and functionality. Indeed, Ca2+ released by the ER is taken up by mitochondria where, both in the intermembrane space and in the matrix, it regulates the activity of transporters, enzymes and proteins involved in organelles' metabolism. In this review, we will briefly summarize Ca2+-dependent mechanisms involved in the regulation of mitochondrial activity. Moreover, we will discuss some recent reports, in which alterations in mitochondrial Ca2+ signalling have been associated with specific pathological conditions, such as neurodegeneration and cancer.