Calcium Signaling and Nervous System: Overview and Directions for Research

This book provides comprehensive insights into emerging trends on calcium signaling in the nervous system from triggering signal transduction neuronal pathways to regulation of brain functions. Calcium signaling is one of the major coupling mechanism linking external stimuli with intracellular processes. Normal calcium signaling is important for functioning of all cells particularly neurons coupled to control mechanisms of the body inducing intra- and intercellular signaling and triggering biochemical cascade to control metabolism, gene expression, cell differentiation and apoptosis. The author, Dr. Victor V. Chaban is Professor of Medicine with dual appointment at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). Dr. Chaban completed his post-doctoral training in Neuroscience at UCLA and graduate studies in Clinical Research at CDU. He serves on National Institute of Health and several international study sections and holds U.S. Patents. Prof. Chaban is established expert, who contributed significantly to a better understanding of neuroplasticity and neurodegeneration associated with changes in calcium signaling. Calcium Signaling and Nervous System: Overview and Directions for Research gives an up to date account of changes in intracellular Ca2+ associated with primary afferents sensitization, neuronal and glial reorganization, neuroprotection and neurodegeneration. This book is recommended to scientists, healthcare providers, students and patients.