Calcium ions (Ca2+) serve as universal second messengers regulating endocrine, neuronal, and metabolic processes. In children and adolescents, tight calcium signaling control is crucial for growth, hormone homeostasis, neuromuscular function, and neurodevelopment. Disruptions in Ca2+-dependent pathways—whether genetic, metabolic, or acquired—underlie a spectrum of pediatric endocrine diseases often presenting with neurological manifestations This review summarizes calcium’s roles in hormone secretion, parathyroid and vitamin D metabolism, and neuronal excitability, and discusses monogenic and metabolic disorders affecting calcium sensing and signaling, including CASR, GNA11, AP2S1, STIM1, and ORAI1 mutations. Diagnostic challenges, therapeutic strategies, and future directions for precision medicine in pediatric neuroendocrinology are highlighted, emphasizing early recognition and improved clinical outcomes.

Endocrine Disorders of Calcium Signaling in Children: Neuroendocrine Crosstalk and Clinical Implications

Fiore, Marco
Co-ultimo
Membro del Collaboration Group
;
2026

Abstract

Calcium ions (Ca2+) serve as universal second messengers regulating endocrine, neuronal, and metabolic processes. In children and adolescents, tight calcium signaling control is crucial for growth, hormone homeostasis, neuromuscular function, and neurodevelopment. Disruptions in Ca2+-dependent pathways—whether genetic, metabolic, or acquired—underlie a spectrum of pediatric endocrine diseases often presenting with neurological manifestations This review summarizes calcium’s roles in hormone secretion, parathyroid and vitamin D metabolism, and neuronal excitability, and discusses monogenic and metabolic disorders affecting calcium sensing and signaling, including CASR, GNA11, AP2S1, STIM1, and ORAI1 mutations. Diagnostic challenges, therapeutic strategies, and future directions for precision medicine in pediatric neuroendocrinology are highlighted, emphasizing early recognition and improved clinical outcomes.
2026
Istituto di Biochimica e Biologia Cellulare - IBBC
calcium signaling
calcium-targeted therapeutics
neurodevelopment
pediatric neuroendocrine disorders
calcium channelopathies
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14243/580492
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