Cav1.2

Cav1.2 is a voltage-dependent L-type calcium channel subunit alpha-1C. This protein forms one part of the L-type calcium channel, which is responsible for the influx of calcium ions into the cell upon membrane polarization. Cav1.2 is encoded by the CACNA1C gene in humans.

Function

Cav1.2 is a subunit of the L-type calcium channel, which is a type of voltage-gated ion channel. These channels are responsible for the influx of calcium ions into the cell, which is a crucial process for the function of various cells, including neurons and cardiomyocytes. The Cav1.2 subunit is responsible for the channel's voltage-sensing and ion-conducting properties.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the CACNA1C gene, which encodes Cav1.2, have been associated with various disorders, including Timothy syndrome, Brugada syndrome, and certain types of epilepsy. These disorders are often characterized by abnormalities in cardiac function or neuronal activity, reflecting the importance of Cav1.2 in these processes.

Research

Research on Cav1.2 has focused on its role in various physiological processes and its potential as a therapeutic target for disorders associated with its dysfunction. For example, drugs that block Cav1.2, known as calcium channel blockers, are commonly used in the treatment of hypertension and angina.

See also

• Voltage-gated ion channel
• Calcium channel blocker
• Timothy syndrome
• Brugada syndrome