Pain regulation by PKA and calcineurin through functional modulation of T-type calcium channels

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Among three isoforms of T-type calcium channels, Cav3.2 expressed abundantly in the peripheral ending of nociceptors plays a critical role in nociceptive processing. We thus examined molecular mechanisms for functional regulation of Cav3.2 by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, and its impact on pain signals. Our data show that PKA, activated by stimulation of prostaglandin EP4 receptors in an AKAP150-dependent manner, phosphorylates and functionally upregulates Cav3.2, leading to hyperalgesia, and that calcineurin, a phosphatase, negatively regulates Cav3.2 functions.