Less is more, or enough is enough? Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation revisited.

摘要

L-type Ca~(2+) channels play a key role in many excitable cells, e.g. cardio-myocytes, skeletal myocytes, pancreatic beta-cells, retinal cells and inner hair-cells. They are heteromeric protein complexes composed of a pore-forming Ca_v1 sub unit and auxiliary alpha_2-delta, beta and gamma subunits. As well, a tightly associated calmodulin maybe considered as an 'honorary' Ca~(2+) channel subunit. L-type Ca~(2+) channels are subject to voltage-dependent inactivation (VDI), but a hallmark feature of L-type Ca~(2+) channels is the Ca~(2+)-dependent inactivation (CDI).