Ca2+ signaling is critical for pancreatic stellate cell’s pathophysiology : from fibrosis to cancer hallmarks

Known as the key effector of pancreatic fibrosis and pancreatic cancer’s desmoplastic stromal reaction development, activated pancreatic stellate cells (aPSCs) are attracting more and more the attention of pancreatic research. Since a few years, a crucial role of Ca2+ signaling in PSC’s activation processes has emerged. Although most of the work on PSCs and Ca2+ signaling has been carried on aPSCs, because once seated in culture, they become activated within 2–5 days, there are also some studies focusing on the role of Ca2+ in quiescent pancreatic stellate cells (qPSCs). In this mini-review, we reported all findings on Ca2+ signaling in qPSCs and aPSCs, in relation to pancreatic fibrosis and cancer promotion.