TheCACNA1FGene Encodes an L-Type Calcium Channel with Unique Biophysical Properties and Tissue Distribution

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4846-03.2004
• Publication Date: 2004-02-18T20:02:48Z
• Authors: John E. McRory; Jawed Hamid; Clinton J. Doering; Esperanza Garcia; Robin Parker; Kevin Hamming; Lina Chen; Michael Hildebrand; Aaron M. Beedle; Laura Feldcamp; Gerald W. Zamponi; Terrance P. Snutch
• Keywords: N-type calcium channel

Glutamate release from rod photoreceptors is dependent on a sustained calcium influx through L-type channels. Missense mutations in the CACNA1F gene patients with incomplete X-linked congenital stationary night blindness implicate Ca v 1.4 channel subtype. Here, we describe functional and pharmacological properties of transiently expressed human shown to encode dihydropyridine-sensitive unusually slow inactivation kinetics that are not affected by either ions or coexpression ancillary β subunits. Additionally, supports large window current activates near -40 mV 2 mM external calcium, making ideally suited for tonic at typical photoreceptor resting potentials. Introduction base pair changes associated four showed only G369D alteration activation properties. Immunohistochemical analyses show that, contrast previous reports, widely distributed outside retina, including immune system, thus suggesting broader role physiology.