Sensing, physiological effects and molecular response to elevated CO 2 levels in eukaryotes

•  CO 2 transport into cells •  CO 2 sensing in cells and organisms –  CO 2 sensing in mammalian neuronal cells –  CO 2 sensing in peripheral chemoreceptors –  CO 2 sensing in Central chemoreceptors–  CO 2 sensing by non‐neuronal mammalian cells –  CO 2 sensing in Drosophila and other insects –  Neuronal‐mediated CO 2 sensing –  Non‐neuronal CO 2 sensing–  CO 2 sensing in C. elegans–  CO 2 sensing in fungi•  Physiological effects of elevated CO 2–  Physiological effects on mammalian tissues –  Pathophysiological effects of elevated levels of CO 2–  Physiological effects on D. melanogaster–  Physiological effects on C. elegans•  Molecular response to elevated CO 2 levels –  Molecular responses in mammalian neuronal cells –  Molecular responses to elevated levels of CO 2 in mammalian non‐neuronal cells –  Lung cells –  Kidney cells–  Molecular responses in D. melanogaster–  Olfactory responses –  Gustatory responses –  Non‐neuronal responses–  Molecular responses in C. elegansCarbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is an important gaseous molecule that maintains biosphere homeostasis and is an important cellular signalling molecule in all organisms. The transport of CO 2 through membranes has fundamental roles in most basic aspects of life in both plants and animals. There is a growing interest in understanding how CO 2 is transported into cells, how it is sensed by neurons and other cell types and in understanding the physiological and molecular consequences of elevated CO 2 levels (hypercapnia) at the cell and organism levels. Human pulmonary diseases and model organisms such as fungi, C. elegans , Drosophila and mice have been proven to be important in understanding of the mechanisms of CO 2 sensing and response.