Ca2+ signaling by T-type Ca2+ channels in neurons

Lucius Cueni, Marco Canepari, John P. Adelman, Anita Lüthi

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

59 Scopus citations

Abstract

Among the major families of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, the low-voltage-activated channels formed by the Cav3 subunits, referred to as T-type Ca2+ channels, have recently gained increased interest in terms of the intracellular Ca2+ signals generated upon their activation. Here, we provide an overview of recent reports documenting that T-type Ca2+ channels act as an important Ca2+ source in a wide range of neuronal cell types. The work is focused on T-type Ca2+ channels in neurons, but refers to non-neuronal cells in cases where exemplary functions for Ca2+ entering through T-type Ca2+ channels have been described. Notably, Ca2+ influx through T-type Ca 2+ channels is the predominant Ca2+ source in several neuronal cell types and carries out specific signaling roles. We also emphasize that Ca2+ signaling through T-type Ca2+ channels occurs often in select subcellular compartments, is mediated through strategically co-localized targets, and is exploited for unique physiological functions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1161-1172
Number of pages12
JournalPflugers Archiv European Journal of Physiology
Volume457
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2009

Keywords

  • Ca3 channel
  • Low-threshold burst
  • Oscillation
  • SERCA
  • SK channel
  • Thalamus

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Physiology (medical)

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