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The Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel γ Subunits: A Review of the Literature

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Abstract

Members of the voltage-gated calcium channel γ subunit gene family (Cacng), have been rapidly discovered since the discovery of the identification of the mouse γ2 gene (Cacng2) and its association with the stargazer mutant mouse line. The fact that this mutant mouse line exists has allowed researchers to gain insights into the function of the γ2 subunit. For example, stargazer mice have elevated levels of neuropeptide Y production, very low cerebellar brain derived neurotrophic factor production, and diminished cerebellar GABAA α 6 and β 3 production. Study of this mutant mouse line has also revealed that the γ2 subunit is involved in AMPA receptor trafficking and targeting to the synaptic membrane. For the most part, the effect of the γ subunits on the electrophysiology of voltage-gated calcium channels is to downregulate calcium channel activity by causing a hyperpolarizing shift in the inactivation curve. This finding and the association of these subunits with AMPA receptor trafficking has led some researchers to question the actual role of the γ subunits. This article reviews the discovery, cellular localization, tissue distribution, and function of the eight members of the Cacng family.

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  1. Section of Medical Psychiatry, Mayo Medical School, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, 200 1st Street Southwest, Rochester, Minnesota, 55905

    John Logan Black III

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  1. John Logan Black III
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Black, J.L. The Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel γ Subunits: A Review of the Literature. J Bioenerg Biomembr 35, 649–660 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JOBB.0000008029.22650.c5

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