Calcium ions and the control of proliferation in normal and cancer cells

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Abstract
Several lines of evidence suggest that Ca2+ ions control [animal] cell proliferation: Ca2+ entry into cytoplasm acts as a general mitogen; serum and serum-replacements induce Ca2+ influx; the Ca2+ concentrations in growth media required to support the proliferation of normal cells are much higher than those required for cancer cells; serum and growth factors reduce the Ca2+ requirements of normal cells and tumor promoters alter Ca2+ fluxes via a mechanism used principally by growth factors. Minor supporting evidence includes the effects of various drugs and viruses and the behavior of tumor cell mitochondria and intercellular junctions. It is still not possible to decide exactly where and when inside cells the critical effect of Ca2+ on proliferation occurs, but the practical problems of understanding Ca2+ movements in tissue-culture cells are discussed. An overridden or bypassed Ca2+ control process may be the key, common determinant of unrestrained proliferation in cancer cells.

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