L-Type
L-Type Calcium Channel
The L-type calcium channel is a type of voltage-dependent calcium channel. Like all of the voltage-dependent calcium channels, the L-type calcium channel is activated by the depolarization of the neuronal membrane. The L-type calcium channel is responsible for the excitation-contraction coupling of skeletal, smooth, cardiac, and soft muscle. It may also be involved in exocytosis, hormone secretion, and gene expression.
Structure[edit | edit source]
L-type calcium channels are composed of five subunits. The alpha-1 subunit forms the ion pore while the associated subunits, beta-2, alpha-2/delta and gamma are located extracellularly, intracellularly, and on the plasma membrane, respectively.
Function[edit | edit source]
The main function of the L-type calcium channel is to allow for the influx of Ca2+ ions into the cell, which leads to muscle contraction. This is especially important in cardiac muscle, where it contributes to the plateau phase of the action potential.
Clinical significance[edit | edit source]
Mutations in the genes encoding the subunits of the L-type calcium channel can lead to various disorders. For example, mutations in the CACNA1C gene, which encodes the alpha-1C subunit of the L-type calcium channel, can lead to Timothy syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by cardiac arrhythmias, webbing of fingers and toes, and developmental delay.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD