Neuronal calcium channels: splicing for optimal performance.

ABSTRACT: Calcium ion channels coordinate an astounding number of cellular functions. Surprisingly, only 10 Ca(V)alpha(1) subunit genes encode the structural cores of all voltage-gated calcium channels. What mechanisms exist to modify the structure of calcium channels and optimize their coupling to the rich spectrum of cellular functions? Growing evidence points to the contribution of post-translational alternative processing of calcium channel RNA as the main mechanism for expanding the functional potential of this important gene family. Alternative splicing of RNA is essential during neuronal development where fine adjustments in protein signaling promote and inhibit cell-cell interactions and underlie axonal guidance. However, attributing a specific functional role to an individual splice isoform

SUBMITTER: Gray AC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2001240 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Oct-Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature