Searching for a Role of NCX/NCKX Exchangers in Neurodegeneration

Authors: Gomez-Villafuertes, Rosa¹; Mellström, Britt¹; Naranjo, Jose²

Source: Molecular Neurobiology, Volume 35, Number 2, April 2007 , pp. 195-202(8)

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Abstract:

Control of intracellular calcium signaling is essential for neuronal development and function. Maintenance of Ca²⁺ homeostasis depends on the functioning of specific transport systems that remove calcium from the cytosol. Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchange is the main calcium export mechanism across the plasma membrane that restores resting levels of calcium in neurons after stimulation. Two families of Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchangers exist, one of which requires the co-transport of K⁺ and Ca²⁺ in exchange for Na⁺ ions. The malfunctioning of Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchangers has been related to the development of pathological conditions in the regulation of neuronal death after hypoxia-anoxia, brain trauma, and nerve injury. In addition, the Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger function has been associated with impaired Ca²⁺ homeostasis during aging of the brain, as well as with a role in Alzheimer's disease by regulating β-amyloid toxicity. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger families and their implications in neurodegenerative disorders.

Keywords: Calcium homeostasis; Ischemia; Alzheimer disease; Spinal cord injury; DREAM

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12035-007-0007-0

Affiliations: 1: Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, CSIC, Madrid, Spain, 2: Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, CSIC, Madrid, Spain, Email: naranjo@cnb.uam.es

Publication date: 2007-04-01