External IDs GeneCards: [1] Human Mouse n/a n/a | Species Human Entrez n/a Ensembl n/a | |
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The N-type calcium channel is a type of voltage-dependent calcium channel. As with other sub-types of voltage-gated calcium channel, the α1 subunit forms the pore through which calcium enters the cell and determines most of the channel's properties. The α1 subunit is also known as the calcium channel, voltage-dependent, N type, alpha 1B subunit (CACNA1B) or Cav2.2 which in humans is encoded by the CACNA1B gene.
Contents
Clinical significance
Mutations in CACNA1B are associated to Myoclonus-Dystonia syndrome .
Structure
In addition to the α1 subunit, the following subunits are present in the N-type calcium channel:
Function
N-type ('N' for "Neural-Type" ) calcium channels are found primarily at presynaptic terminals and are involved in neurotransmission. Strong depolarization by an action potential causes these channels to open and allow influx of Ca2+, initiating vesicle fusion and release of stored neurotransmitter. N-type channels are blocked by ω-conotoxin. It is also found, that N-type calcium channels were inhibited by the endocannabinoid anandamide and several active congeners in N18 neuroblastoma cells.
Therapeutic Potential
Blockade of the N-type calcium channel is a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of alcoholism. Blockade of N-type calcium channels in sensory neurons has therapeutic potential for the treatment of certain types of pain, particularly neuropathic pain. The peptide N-type calcium channel blocker ziconotide is given intrathecally for intractable pain.