Regulation of calcium homeostasis in endoplasmic reticulum–mitochondria crosstalk: implications for skeletal muscle atrophy

This review comprehensively explores the critical role of calcium as an essential small-molecule biomessenger in skeletal muscle function. Calcium is vital for both regulating muscle excitation-contraction coupling and for the development, maintenance, and regeneration of muscle cells. The orchestrated release of calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is mediated by receptors such as the ryanodine receptor (RYR) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R), which is crucial for skeletal muscle contraction. The sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) pump plays a key role in recapturing calcium, enabling the muscle to return to a relaxed state. A pivotal aspect of calcium homeostasis involves…