Specific contribution of human T-type calcium channel isotypes (alpha(1G), alpha(1H) and alpha(1I)) to neuronal excitability.
In several types of neurons, firing is an intrinsic property produced by specific classes of ion channels. Low-voltage-activated T-type calcium channels (T-channels), which activate with small membrane depolarizations, can generate burst firing and pacemaker activity. Here we have investigated the specific contribution to neuronal excitability of cloned human T-channel subunits. Using HEK-293 cells transiently transfected with the human alpha(1G) (Ca(V)3.1), alpha(1H) (Ca(V)3.2) and alpha(1I) (Ca(V)3.3) subunits, we describe significant differences among these isotypes in their biophysical properties, which are highlighted in action potential clamp studies. Firing activities occurring in cerebellar Purkinje neurons and in thalamocortical relay neurons used as voltage clamp waveforms revealed that alpha(1G) channels and, to a lesser extent, alpha(1H) channels produced large and transient currents, while currents related to alpha(1I) channels exhibited facilitation and produced a sustained calcium entry associated with the depolarizing after-potential interval. Using simulations of reticular and relay thalamic neuron activities, we show that alpha(1I) currents contributed to sustained electrical activities, while alpha(1G) and alpha(1H) currents generated short burst firing. Modelling experiments with the NEURON model further revealed that the alpha(1G) channel and alpha(1I) channel parameters best accounted for T-channel activities described in thalamocortical relay neurons and in reticular neurons, respectively. Altogether, the data provide evidence for a role of alpha(1I) channel in pacemaker activity and further demonstrate that each T-channel pore-forming subunit displays specific gating properties that account for its unique contribution to neuronal firing.
Chemin
Jean
J
Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS UPR 1142, 141 rue de la Cardonille, F-34396 Montpellier cedex 05, France.
Monteil
Arnaud
A
Perez-Reyes
Edward
E
Bourinet
Emmanuel
E
Nargeot
Joël
J
Lory
Philippe
P
D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D020747:Calcium Channels, T-Type / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D002460:Cell Line; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000166:cytology; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000166:cytology; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009434:Neural Pathways; D018408:Patch-Clamp Techniques; D011689:Purkinje Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D013788:Thalamus / Q000166:cytology
C121855:CACNA1G protein, human; D020747:Calcium Channels, T-Type