Upstream deregulation of calcium signaling in Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a major health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. Recent studies provide compelling evidence that altered Ca(2)(+) homeostasis may underlie disease pathomechanism and be an inherent feature of all vulnerable neurons. The downstream effects of altered Ca(2)(+) handling in the distinct subcellular organelles for proper cellular function are beginning to be elucidated. Here, we summarize the evidence that vulnerable neurons may be exposed to homeostatic Ca(2)(+) stress which may determine their selective vulnerability, and suggest how abnormal Ca(2)(+) handling in the distinct intracellular compartments may compromise neuronal health in the context of aging, environmental, and genetic stress. Gaining a better understanding of the varied effects of Ca(2)(+) dyshomeostasis may allow novel combinatorial therapeutic strategies to slow PD progression.