RGD Reference Report - Molecular characterization of a neuronal low-voltage-activated T-type calcium channel. - Rat Genome Database

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Molecular characterization of a neuronal low-voltage-activated T-type calcium channel.

Authors: Perez-Reyes, E  Cribbs, LL  Daud, A  Lacerda, AE  Barclay, J  Williamson, MP  Fox, M  Rees, M  Lee, JH 
Citation: Perez-Reyes E, etal., Nature 1998 Feb 26;391(6670):896-900.
RGD ID: 68747
Pubmed: PMID:9495342   (View Abstract at PubMed)
DOI: DOI:10.1038/36110   (Journal Full-text)

The molecular diversity of voltage-activated calcium channels was established by studies showing that channels could be distinguished by their voltage-dependence, deactivation and single-channel conductance. Low-voltage-activated channels are called 'T' type because their currents are both transient (owing to fast inactivation) and tiny (owing to small conductance). T-type channels are thought to be involved in pacemaker activity, low-threshold calcium spikes, neuronal oscillations and resonance, and rebound burst firing. Here we report the identification of a neuronal T-type channel. Our cloning strategy began with an analysis of Genbank sequences defined as sharing homology with calcium channels. We sequenced an expressed sequence tag (EST), then used it to clone a full-length complementary DNA from rat brain. Northern blot analysis indicated that this gene is expressed predominantly in brain, in particular the amygdala, cerebellum and thalamus. We mapped the human gene to chromosome 17q22, and the mouse gene to chromosome 11. Functional expression of the channel was measured in Xenopus oocytes. Based on the channel's distinctive voltage dependence, slow deactivation kinetics, and 7.5-pS single-channel conductance, we conclude that this channel is a low-voltage-activated T-type calcium channel.

Objects referenced in this article
Gene CACNA1G calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha1 G Homo sapiens
Gene Cacna1g calcium channel, voltage-dependent, T type, alpha 1G subunit Mus musculus
Gene Cacna1g calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha1 G Rattus norvegicus

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