Characterization of ST14A Cells for Studying Modulation of Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels.

ABSTRACT: In medium spiny neurons (MSNs) of the striatum, dopamine D2 receptors (D2Rs) specifically inhibit the Ca(v)1.3 subtype of L-type Ca(2+) channels (LTCs). MSNs are heterogeneous in their expression of dopamine receptors making the study of D2R pathways difficult in primary neurons. Here, we employed the ST14A cell line, derived from embryonic striatum and characterized to have properties of MSNs, to study Ca(v)1.3 current and its modulation by neurotransmitters. Round, undifferentiated ST14A cells exhibited little to no endogenous Ca(2+) current while differentiated ST14A cells expressed endogenous Ca(2+) current. Transfection with LTC subunits produced functional Ca(v)1.3 current from round cells, providing a homogeneous model system compared to native MSNs for studying D(2)R pathways. Howe

SUBMITTER: Roberts-Crowley ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4492559 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature