Alternative splicing of the rat Ca(v)3.3 T-type calcium channel gene produces variants with distinct functional properties(1).
Molecular diversity in T-type Ca(2+) channels is produced by expression of three genes, and alternative splicing of those genes. Prompted by differences noted between rat and human Ca(v)3.3 sequences, we searched for splice variants. We cloned six variants, which are produced by splicing at exon 33 and exon 34. Expression of the variants differed between brain regions. The electrophysiological properties of the variants displayed similar voltage-dependent gating, but differed in their kinetic properties. The functional impact of splicing was inter-related, suggesting an interaction. We conclude that alternative splicing of the Ca(v)3.3 gene produces channels with distinct properties.
Murbartián
Janet
J
Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 800735, Charlottesville 22908-0735, USA.
Arias
Juan Manuel
JM
Lee
Jung-Ha
JH
Gomora
Juan Carlos
JC
Perez-Reyes
Edward
E
D017398:Alternative Splicing; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D020747:Calcium Channels, T-Type / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D002460:Cell Line; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D004594:Electrophysiology; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007700:Kinetics; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D051381:Rats; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D017386:Sequence Homology, Amino Acid; D013045:Species Specificity
D020747:Calcium Channels, T-Type; D011994:Recombinant Proteins