Low-Voltage-Activated (“T-Type”) Calcium Channels in Review

摘要: The past 5 years has witnessed an advance in our understanding of alpha1G (Cav3.1), alpha1H (Cav3.2), and alpha1l (Cav3.3), the pore-forming subunits T-type or low-voltage-activated calcium channels (LVAs). LVAs differ their localization molecular, biophysical, biochemical properties, but all conduct a transient current variety cells. currents mediate number physiological functions developing mature cells, are implicated neural cardiovascular diseases. Hampered by lack selective antagonists, characterization come from recombinant channel studies use pharmacological electrophysiological methods to isolate endogenous currents. surprising heterogeneity likely results differences LVA molecular composition, temporal spatial localization, association with modulatory molecules. A fundamental knowledge including composition protein expression, is necessary elucidate mechanisms for regulation expression function normal diseased