Analysis of calcium channels by conditional mutagenesis.
Ca2+ influx through various ion channels is an important determinant of the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, which plays a pivotal role in countless cellular processes. The cardiac L-type Ca2+ channel, Ca(v)1.2, represents a major pathway for Ca2+ entry and is in many cells expressed together with other high- and low-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels. This article will focus on the use of conditional transgenic mouse models to clarify the roles of Ca2+ channels in several biological systems. The phenotypes of conditional Ca2+ channel transgenic mice have provided novel, and often unexpected, insights into the in vivo function of L-type and T-type Ca2+ channels as mediators of signaling between cell membrane and intracellular processes in blood pressure regulation, smooth muscle contractility, insulin secretion, cardiac function, sleep, learning, and memory.
Moosmang
S
S
Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, TU München, Biedersteiner Str. 29, 80802 München, Germany.
Kleppisch
T
T
Wegener
J
J
Welling
A
A
Hofmann
F
F
D000818:Animals; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D017353:Gene Deletion; D007328:Insulin / Q000378:metabolism; D000078790:Insulin Secretion; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000378:metabolism; D016296:Mutagenesis; D009420:Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism
D015220:Calcium Channels; D007328:Insulin