CaV1.3 | voltage-dependent, L type, alpha 1D subunit calcium channel

L-type voltage gated Ca²⁺ channels (LTCCs) are widely expressed within different brain regions including the hippocampus. The isoforms Ca_V1.2 and Ca_V1.3 have been shown to be involved in hippocampus-dependent learning and memory, cognitive functions that require proper hippocampal neurogenesis. It is proposed that Ca_V1.2 channels contribues in spatial memory formation, whereas Ca_V1.3 channels seem to be involved in the consolidation of fear memories and in neurodegenerative mechanisms associated with the development of Parkinson's disease. Furthermore, Ca_V1.3 is expressed in adrenal chromaffin cells. Besides shaping the action potential (AP), the ion channels are involved in the excitation-secretion coupling controlling catecholamine release and in Ca ²⁺ -dependent vesicle retrieval. In pancreatic island cell, Ca_V1.3 is involved in the initiation of the insulin release from rat islet β cells.

Genes:
CACNA1D

Human Protein:
UniProt Q01668

Tissue:
Pancreatic islets, brain, chromaffin cells

Function/ Application:
Ca²⁺ entry in excitable cells

Pathology:
Sinoatrial node dysfunction, deafness, Parkinson's disease, primary aldosteronism, seizures, neurologic abnormalities, epilepsy, cancer, congenital stationary night blindness

Interaction:
Ca_V2.2, β1-4 subunits, α2δ subunits, ATPase Na⁺/K+ Transporting Subunit Alpha 1, ATPase Sarcoplasmic/Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ Transporting 2, CABP1, CABP4, RIMBP2, alpha-actinin, ankyrin, calmodulin,

Modulator:
Verapamil, amlodipine, isradipine, nitrendipine, felodipine, omega-agatoxin, omega-conotoxin (+-) Bay K 8644, amlodipine, diltiazem

Assays:
Patch Clamp: whole cell, room temperature

Particularities:
Ca_V channels often show a rundown phenomenon. Adequate intra- and extrcellular solutions are essential for a good data quality.

Recommended Reviews:
Catterall WA, Perez-Reyes E, Snutch TP, Striessnig J (2005). "International Union of Pharmacology. XLVIII. Nomenclature and structure-function relationships of voltage-gated calcium channels". Pharmacol Rev. 57 (4): 411–25.