Decoding the Phosphatase Code: Regulation of Cell Proliferation by Calcineurin

Calcineurin, a calcium-dependent serine/threonine phosphatase, integrates the alterations in intracellular calcium levels into downstream signaling pathways by regulating the phosphorylation states of several targets. Intracellular Ca(2+) is essential for normal cellular physiology and cell cycle progression at certain critical stages of the cell cycle. Recently, it was reported that calcineurin is activated in a variety of cancers. Given that abnormalities in calcineurin signaling can lead to malignant growth and cancer, the calcineurin signaling pathway could be a potential target for cancer treatment. For example, NFAT, a typical substrate of calcineurin, activates the genes that promote cell proliferation. Furthermore, cyclin D1 and estrogen receptors are dephosphorylated and stabilized by calcineurin, leading to cell proliferation. In this review, we focus on the cell proliferative functions and regulatory mechanisms of calcineurin and summarize the various substrates of calcineurin. We also describe recent advances regarding dysregulation of the calcineurin activity in cancer cells. We hope that this review will provide new insights into the potential role of calcineurin in cancer development.