Stargazin modulates neuronal voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channel Ca(v)2.2 by a Gbetagamma-dependent mechanism.

ABSTRACT: Loss of neuronal protein stargazin (gamma(2)) is associated with recurrent epileptic seizures and ataxia in mice. Initially, due to homology to the skeletal muscle calcium channel gamma(1) subunit, stargazin and other family members (gamma(3-8)) were classified as gamma subunits of neuronal voltage-gated calcium channels (such as Ca(V)2.1-Ca(V)2.3). Here, we report that stargazin interferes with G protein modulation of Ca(V)2.2 (N-type) channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Stargazin counteracted the Gbetagamma-induced inhibition of Ca(V)2.2 channel currents, caused either by coexpression of the Gbetagamma dimer or by activation of a G protein-coupled receptor. Expression of high doses of Gbetagamma overcame the effects of stargazin. High affinity Gbetagamma scavenger proteins m-cbetaARK

SUBMITTER: Tselnicker I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2898357 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature