Structure and function of voltage-gated calcium channels

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The long-term goals of this project are to develop a high-resolution understanding of voltage-gated calcium channel (Cav) function and regulation. These molecular switches play pivotal roles in cardiac action potential propagation, neurotransmitter release, muscle contraction, calcium-dependent gene-transcription, and synaptic transmission. Calcium influx is a potent activator of intracellular signaling pathways but is toxic in excess. As a result, its entry into cells is tightly regulated. Cavs are major sources of activity-dependent calcium influx and possess a number of mechanisms that allow them to self-regulate including: voltage-dependent inactivation (VDI), calcium dependent facilitation (CDF), and calcium dependent inactivation (GDI). We are investigating the molecular basis of these phenomena. These phenomena depend critically on interactions of the pore-forming subunit with the cytoplasmic components that regulate channel activity. Due to the difficulties in studying mammalian membrane protein structure, our efforts are directed at understanding the function of two critical cytoplasmic components, the Cav P-subunit and calcium sensors, that are important for channel assembly and calcium-dependent regulation and that play major roles in orchestrating VDI, CDF, and GDI processes. We are pursuing a multidisciplinary approach that includes biochemical, biophysical, X-ray crystallographic, and electrophysiological measurements to dissect Cav function. Because of their important role in human physiology, Cavs are the targets for drugs with great utility for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, congestive heart failure, epilepsy, and chronic pain. Thus, understanding their structures and mechanisms of action at atomic level detail should greatly assist the development of valuable therapeutic agents for a wide range of human cardiac and neurological problems.