Calcium channel activation stabilizes a neuronal calcium channel mRNA.
We have identified a calcium-dependent pathway in neurons that regulates expression levels of the alpha1B subunit and N channel current. When neurons are depolarized and voltage-gated calcium channels activated, the half-life of cellular N channel alpha1B mRNA is prolonged. This stabilizing effect of depolarization is mediated through the 3' untranslated region of a long form of the alpha1B mRNA and may represent a form of modulation of N-channel levels that does not require changes in gene transcription. Increases in N channel expression would affect several key neuronal functions controlled by calcium, including transmitter release and neurite outgrowth.
Schorge
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Department of Neuroscience, 192 Thayer Street, Brown University, Box 1953, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA.
Gupta
S
S
Lin
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McEnery
M W
MW
Lipscombe
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D
D020413:3' Untranslated Regions / Q000235:genetics; D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D020746:Calcium Channels, L-Type; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000494:pharmacology; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D009553:Nimodipine / Q000494:pharmacology; D010455:Peptides / Q000494:pharmacology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D017783:Superior Cervical Ganglion / Q000502:physiology*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D020866:omega-Conotoxin GVIA
D020413:3' Untranslated Regions; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D015220:Calcium Channels; D020746:Calcium Channels, L-Type; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D010455:Peptides; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D009553:Nimodipine; D020866:omega-Conotoxin GVIA