Regulation of neuronal T-type calcium channels.
T-type calcium channels are critically important for regulating neuronal excitability, both in the central and peripheral nervous system, and are essential mediators of hormone secretion. Conversely, T-type channel hyperactivity has been linked to neurological disorders such as absence epilepsy and neuropathic pain. Hence, it is critical to understand the cellular mechanisms that control T-type channel activity, including means of altering expression patterns of the channels, activation of intracellular messenger cascades that directly affect channel activity, and the regulation of alternate splicing of T-type channel genes. Although there is substantial literature dealing with regulation of native T-type channels, the underlying molecular mechanism have only recently been addressed. Here, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of T-type channel regulation, and their implications for brain function.
Iftinca
Mircea C
MC
Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Calgary, Calgary T2N 4N1, Canada.
Zamponi
Gerald W
GW
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D020747:Calcium Channels, T-Type / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D020013:Calcium Signaling / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009474:Neurons / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology
D020747:Calcium Channels, T-Type; D020033:Protein Isoforms