Modulation of Calcium Overload and Calpain Activity

Fluxes of calcium ions (Ca²⁺) in rod photoreceptors are major regulators of steady-state and light-evoked intracellular reactions to stimuli. The homeostasis of Ca²⁺ is regulated by channels and pumps localized at the plasma membrane and in intracellular organelles. Photoreceptor degeneration is frequently associated with Ca²⁺ homeostasis disruption and stimulation of Ca²⁺ activated proteases, such as calpains. These events trigger molecular pathways leading to cell death. In this chapter we discuss Ca²⁺ channels and pumps as well as calpains as potential targets of new therapies for retinal degeneration.