Intracellular cAMP signaling-induced Ca influx mediated by calcium homeostasis modulator 1 (CALHM1) in human odontoblasts.

In odontoblasts, intracellular Ca signaling plays key roles in reactionary dentin formation and generation of dentinal pain. Odontoblasts also express several G protein-coupled receptors that promote production of cyclic AMP (cAMP). However, the crosstalk between intracellular cAMP and Ca signaling, as well as the role of cAMP in the cellular functions of odontoblasts, remains unclear.

Mechanical Stimulation-Induced Calcium Signaling by Piezo1 Channel Activation in Human Odontoblast Reduces Dentin Mineralization.

Odontoblasts play critical roles in dentin formation and sensory transduction following stimuli on the dentin surface. Exogenous stimuli to the dentin surface elicit dentinal sensitivity through the movement of fluids in dentinal tubules, resulting in cellular deformation. Recently, Piezo1 channels have been implicated in mechanosensitive processes, as well as Ca signals in odontoblasts.

Plasma Membrane Ca-ATPase in Rat and Human Odontoblasts Mediates Dentin Mineralization.

Intracellular Ca signaling engendered by Ca influx and mobilization in odontoblasts is critical for dentinogenesis induced by multiple stimuli at the dentin surface. Increased Ca is exported by the Na-Ca exchanger (NCX) and plasma membrane Ca-ATPase (PMCA) to maintain Ca homeostasis. We previously demonstrated a functional coupling between Ca extrusion by NCX and its influx through transient receptor potential channels in odontoblasts.