Cav1.2

Ca1.2channelclutsering

Cav1.2 is a type of voltage-dependent calcium channel that is primarily found in the cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, and neurons. It is encoded by the CACNA1C gene in humans. Cav1.2 channels play a crucial role in the excitation-contraction coupling process in the heart and are essential for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Structure

Cav1.2 channels are composed of several subunits, including the α1C subunit, which forms the pore through which calcium ions pass. The α1C subunit is encoded by the CACNA1C gene. The channel also includes auxiliary subunits such as β, α2δ, and γ, which modulate the channel's properties and its interaction with other proteins.

Function

Cav1.2 channels are responsible for the influx of calcium ions into cells upon membrane depolarization. This influx of calcium is critical for initiating various cellular processes, including muscle contraction, neurotransmitter release, and gene expression. In the heart, Cav1.2 channels are essential for the plateau phase of the cardiac action potential, which ensures proper cardiac muscle contraction and heart rhythm.

Regulation

The activity of Cav1.2 channels is regulated by various mechanisms, including phosphorylation by protein kinases, interaction with G-proteins, and modulation by calcium-binding proteins such as calmodulin. These regulatory mechanisms ensure that the channel's activity is finely tuned to meet the physiological demands of the cell.

Clinical Significance

Mutations in the CACNA1C gene can lead to several genetic disorders, including Timothy syndrome, which is characterized by cardiac arrhythmias, autism spectrum disorders, and syndactyly. Cav1.2 channels are also implicated in hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, and other cardiovascular diseases. As such, they are a target for various pharmacological agents used in the treatment of these conditions.

Related Pages

• Voltage-dependent calcium channel
• CACNA1C
• Excitation-contraction coupling
• Cardiac muscle
• Cardiac action potential
• Timothy syndrome
• Calmodulin