Inositol 1,4,5 Trisphosphate Receptors In Secretory Epithelial Cells Of The Gastrointestinal Tract

Intracellular calcium (Ca2+) signaling regulates a variety of physiological functions in epithelial cells. Specifically, Ca2+ is critical in controlling fluid and electrolyte secretion, energy metabolism as well as cell proliferation and survival. The main intracellular Ca2+ channels in epithelial cells belong to the family of the inositol 1, 4, 5-trisphosphate receptors (ITPRs). Changes in expression and/or subcellular localization of these Ca2+ channels have been linked to the pathogenesis of a number of diseases affecting primarily epithelial cells such as acute pancreatitis, cholestasis, fatty liver disease and a range of solid tumors. Here, we review recent literature regarding the pathophysiological role of ITPRs in epithelia and discuss the molecular mechanisms leading to alterations in expression and subcellular localization of ITPR in health and disease.