Ionic Regulation of Cell Proliferation Mechanisms
Summary
Cell proliferation is governed not only by genetic and biochemical cues but also by finely tuned ionic fluxes across the plasma membrane and within intracellular compartments. Central to this regulation are transport systems that control intracellular pH, membrane potential and calcium dynamics. Alkalinisation of the cytosol via Na+/H+ exchangers can act as a permissive signal for the G1-to-S transition, while variations in K+ channel activity modulate cell volume and bioelectric states that influence mitogenic signalling pathways. Bicarbonate transporters further stabilise pH homeostasis, and Ca2+ influx through voltage- and ligand-gated channels integrates second-messenger cascades that direct cyclin expression and actin remodelling. Together, these ionic mechanisms form an interconnected network that determines the timing and rate of cell division across diverse tissues, with implications for development, tissue repair and pathological states such as cancer.
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Ionic Regulation of Cell Proliferation Mechanisms publication trend
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Technical terms
Na+/H+ exchanger: A membrane protein that imports Na+ in exchange for H+, thereby raising intracellular pH.
Intracellular pH (pHi): The acidity of the cytosol, which influences enzyme activity and cell cycle checkpoints.
Membrane potential: The voltage difference across the plasma membrane, shaped by ionic gradients and affecting signal transduction.
Mitogen: An extracellular signal that stimulates cell division by activating growth-promoting pathways.
References
- Growth factor action and intracellular pH regulation in fibroblasts. Evidence for a major role of the Na+/H+ antiport.. Journal of Biological Chemistry (1984).
- Blockade of the Na+/H+ antiport abolishes growth factor-induced DNA synthesis in fibroblasts. Structure-activity relationships in the amiloride series.. Journal of Biological Chemistry (1984).
- Activation of Na+/H+ exchange by epidermal growth factor elevates intracellular pH in A431 cells.. Journal of Biological Chemistry (1983).
- Interleukin 2 induces a rapid increase in intracellular pH through activation of a Na+/H+ antiport. Cytoplasmic alkalinization is not required for lymphocyte proliferation.. Journal of Biological Chemistry (1985).
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