Calcium signals:regulatory mechanisms of cardiac gene expression and involvement in the development of cardiac hypertrophy

It is well-known that calcium plays an important role in excitation-contraction coupling in cardiac myocytes. Recently, an emerging body of evidence has demonstrated that calcium signals are critically involved in the development of cardiac hypertrophy and congestive heart failure. To establish a new strategy for prevention and treatment for cardiac hypertrophy, it will be required to decode the calcium signals involved in cardiac growth and function.