GENE-REGULATION BY NUCLEAR AND CYTOPLASMIC CALCIUM SIGNALS

Calcium entry into neuronal cells through N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)- type glutamate receptors or L-type voltage-gated calcium channels is a key event in the control of gene expression following electrical acti vation. Calcium acts both in the cytoplasm and the nucleus to activate signalling pathways that stimulate gene expression through different DNA regulatory elements. Differential control of transcription by spat ially distinct calcium signals provides a mechanism by which a single second messenger can generate diverse transcriptional responses. This may allow for stimulation-specific modulation of gene expression criti cal for adaptive changes in the nervous system. (C) 1997 Academic Pres s.