The molecular basis for calcium-dependent axon pathfinding

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Abstract
Calcium signals have profound and varied effects on growth cone motility and growth. Gomez and Zheng review recent evidence on intracellular calcium signalling pathways, providing fresh insight into how this 'simple' ion can have diverse effects on growth cone behaviours. Ca2+ signals have profound and varied effects on growth cone motility and guidance. Modulation of Ca2+ influx and release from stores by guidance cues shapes Ca2+ signals, which determine the activation of downstream targets. Although the precise molecular mechanisms that underlie distinct Ca2+-mediated effects on growth cone behaviours remain unclear, recent studies have identified important players in both the regulation and targets of Ca2+ signals in growth cones.