A new function for CD38/ADP-ribosyl cyclase in nuclear Ca²⁺ homeostasis

Nucleoplasmic calcium ions (Ca²⁺) influence nuclear functions as critical as gene transcription, apoptosis, DNA repair, topoisomerase activation and polymerase unfolding. Although both inositol trisphosphate receptors and ryanodine receptors, types of Ca²⁺ channel, are present in the nuclear membrane, their role in the homeostasis of nuclear Ca²⁺ remains unclear. Here we report the existence in the inner nuclear membrane of a functionally active CD38/ADP-ribosyl cyclase that has its catalytic site within the nucleoplasm. We propose that the enzyme catalyses the intranuclear cyclization of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide to cyclic adenosine diphosphate ribose. The latter activates ryanodine receptors of the inner nuclear membrane to trigger nucleoplasmic Ca²⁺ release.