Let there be light： a bright future for Ca2＋ signaling

Calcium ion(Ca^(2+))is a ubiquitous second messenger in eukaryotic cells.In response to electrical,hormonal,or mechanical stimulation,cytosolic Ca^(2+)levels increase due to Ca^(2+) influxes through ion channels embedded in the plasma membrane or Ca^(2+) releases from intracellular Ca^(2+) stores,such as the endoplasmic

Calcium ion （Ca2＋） is a ubiquitous second messenger in eukaryotic cells. In response to electrical, hormonal, or mechanical stimulation, cytosolic Ca2＋ levels increase due to Ca2＋ influxes through ion channels embedded in the plasma membrane or Ca2＋ releases from intracellular Ca2＋ stores, such as the endoplasmic reticulum （ER） . The resulting Ca2＋ signals control a vast array of cellular activities, ranging from short-term muscle contraction, neurotransmission and cell motility to long-term changes in gene expression and metabolism . Accordingly, disruption of intracellular Ca2＋ homeostasis can lead to many human diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. These highly versatile functions are often dictated by the spatial and temporal patterns of Ca2＋ signals through the coordinated actions of a repertoire of Ca2＋ signaling components. Hence, the cure for diseases associated with deregulated Ca2＋ signaling calls for maneuvers at high spatiotemporal resolution.