Involvement of calcium channels in the regulation of adipogenesis

As an important second messenger in adipocytes, calcium ions (Ca(2+)) are essential in regulating various intracellular signalling pathways that control critical cellular functions. Calcium channels show selective permeability to Ca(2+) and facilitate Ca(2+) entry into the cytoplasm, which are normally located in the plasmatic and intracellular membranes. The increase of cytosolic Ca(2+) modulates a variety of signalling pathways and results in the transcription of target genes that contribute to adipogenesis, a key cellular event includes proliferation and differentiation of adipocyte. In the past decades, the involvement of some Ca(2+)-permeable ion channels, such as Ca(2+) release-activated Ca(2+) channels, transient receptor potential channels, voltage-gated calcium channels and others, in adipogenesis has been extensively explored. In the present review, we provided a summary of the expression and contributions of these Ca(2+)-permeable channels in mediating Ca(2+) influxes that drive adipogenesis. Moreover, we discussed their potentials as future therapeutic targets.