In the Right Place at the Right Time: Regulation of Cell Metabolism by IP3R-Mediated Inter-Organelle Ca 2+ Fluxes.

In the last few years, metabolism has been shown to be controlled by cross-organelle communication. The relationship between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria/lysosomes is the most studied; here, inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) receptor (IP3R)-mediated calcium (Ca) release plays a central role. Recent evidence suggests that IP3R isoforms participate in synthesis and degradation pathways. This minireview will summarize the current findings in this area, emphasizing the critical role of Ca communication on organelle function as well as catabolism and anabolism, particularly in cancer.