Alternative splicing of the beta 4 subunit has alpha1 subunit subtype-specific effects on Ca2+ channel gating.

ABSTRACT: Ca2+ channel beta subunits are important molecular determinants of the kinetics and voltage dependence of Ca2+ channel gating. Through direct interactions with channel-forming alpha1 subunits, beta subunits enhance expression levels, accelerate activation, and have variable effects on inactivation. Four distinct beta subunit genes each encode five homologous sequence domains (D1-5), three of which (D1, D3, and D5) undergo alternative splicing. We have isolated from human spinal cord a novel alternatively spliced beta4 subunit containing a short form of domain D1 (beta4a) that is highly homologous to N termini of Xenopus and rat beta3 subunits. The purpose of this study was to compare the gating properties of various alpha1 subunit complexes containing beta4a with those of complexes contain

SUBMITTER: Helton TD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6758875 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature