The specific role of the chloride anion (Cl−) as a signalling effector or second messenger has been increasingly recognized in recent years. It could represent a key factor in the regulation of cellular homeostasis. Changes in intracellular Cl− concentration affect diverse cellular functions such as gene and protein expression and activities, post‐translational modifications of proteins, cellular volume, cell cycle, cell proliferation and differentiation, membrane potential, reactive oxygen species levels, and intracellular/extracellular pH. Cl− also modulates functions in different organelles, including endosomes, phagosomes, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria. A better knowledge of Cl− signalling could help in understanding the molecular and metabolic changes seen in pathologies with altered Cl− transport or under physiological conditions. Here we review relevant evidence supporting the role of Cl− as a signalling effector.

中文翻译：

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氯阴离子作为信号效应器

近年来，越来越多地认识到氯阴离子 (Cl-) 作为信号效应器或第二信使的特定作用。它可能是调节细胞稳态的关键因素。细胞内 Cl− 浓度的变化影响多种细胞功能，例如基因和蛋白质的表达和活性、蛋白质的翻译后修饰、细胞体积、细胞周期、细胞增殖和分化、膜电位、活性氧水平和细胞内/细胞外 pH . Cl− 还调节不同细胞器的功能，包括内体、吞噬体、溶酶体、内质网和线粒体。更好地了解 Cl− 信号传导有助于理解在 Cl− 转运改变的病理或生理条件下所见的分子和代谢变化。在这里，我们回顾了支持 Cl- 作为信号效应器作用的相关证据。