T. O. Veklich, Yu. V. Nikonishyna, S. O. Kosterin

Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv;
e-mail: veklich@biochem.kiev.ua

A variety of nuclear calcium functions includes regulations of gene transcription and permeability of nuclear pore complexes, activation of numerous enzymes involved in the apoptosis, and therefore cell fate determination. Thus, the pathways of Ca²⁺ entry into the nucleus, the interplay between nuclear and cytosolic calcium signals, calcium accumulation in the nuclear depot, extrusion and subsequent destinies are of particular interest. In this review, we systematized literature data and our results about aspects of calcium transport in the cell. We especially concentrated on calcium transport systems and general mechanisms of calcium exchange in the central organelle – the nucleus. We also described the general structure of the cell nucleus, nuclear envelope transporters, and the role of Ca²⁺ in the nucleus and disturbances of nuclear calcium signaling.