The mitochondrial Ca(2+) uniporter complex.

Calcium influx into the mitochondrial matrix plays important roles in the regulation of cell death pathways, bioenergetics and cytoplasmic Ca(2+) signals. During the last few years, several molecular components of the inner membrane mitochondrial Ca(2+) uniporter, the dominant pathway for Ca(2+) influx into the mitochondrial matrix, have been identified. The uniporter is now recognized as a complex of proteins that include a Ca(2+) pore forming component and accessory proteins that are either required for its channel activity or regulate it under various conditions. This review summarizes recent discoveries about the molecular basis of the uniporter complex. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Mitochondria: From Basic Mitochondrial Biology to Cardiovascular Disease."