Molecular cloning of the gene promoter encoding the human Caγ/Stargazin divergent transcript (): characterization and regulation by the cAMP-PKA/CREB signaling pathway.

Caγ (Stargazin or TARPγ) is a protein expressed in various types of neurons whose function was initially associated with a decrease in the functional expression of voltage-gated presynaptic Ca channels (Ca) and which is now known to promote the trafficking of the postsynaptic α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptors (AMPAR) towards the cell membrane. Alterations in Caγ expression has been associated with several neurological disorders, such as absence epilepsy. However, its regulation at the transcriptional level has not been intensively addressed.

Molecular Mechanisms of Nuclear Transport of the Neuronal Voltage-gated Ca Channel β Auxiliary Subunit.

Previous studies have shown that in addition to its role within the voltage-gated calcium channel complex in the plasma membrane, the neuronal Caβ subunit can translocate to the cell nucleus. However, little is known regarding the role this protein could play in the nucleus, nor the molecular mechanism used by Caβ to enter this cell compartment. This report shows evidence that Caβ has nuclear localization signals (NLS) that are not functional, suggesting that the protein does not use a classical nuclear import pathway.

Identification of Dp140 and α1-syntrophin as novel molecular interactors of the neuronal Ca2.1 channel.

The primary function of dystrophin is to form a link between the cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix. In addition to this crucial structural function, dystrophin also plays an essential role in clustering and organizing several signaling proteins, including ion channels. Proteomic analysis of the whole rodent brain has stressed the role of some components of the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex (DGC) as potential interacting proteins of the voltage-gated Ca channels of the Ca2 subfamily.

Role of the Ca2+ channel α2δ-1 auxiliary subunit in proliferation and migration of human glioblastoma cells.

The overexpression of α2δ-1 is related to the development and degree of malignancy of diverse types of cancer. This protein is an auxiliary subunit of voltage-gated Ca2+ (CaV) channels, whose expression favors the trafficking of the main pore-forming subunit of the channel complex (α1) to the plasma membrane, thereby generating an increase in Ca2+ entry. Interestingly, TLR-4, a protein belonging to the family of toll-like receptors that participate in the inflammatory response and the transcription factor Sp1, have been linked to the progression of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

The role of voltage-gated calcium channels in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.

Voltage-gated calcium (Ca) channels play an essential role in maintaining calcium homeostasis and regulating numerous physiological processes in neurons. Therefore, dysregulation of calcium signaling is relevant in many neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD). This review aims to introduce the role of Ca channels in PD and discuss some novel aspects of channel regulation and its impact on the molecular pathophysiology of the disease.

Ion channel long non-coding RNAs in neuropathic pain.

Neuropathic pain is one of the primary forms of chronic pain and is the consequence of the somatosensory system's direct injury or disease. It is a relevant public health problem that affects about 10% of the world's general population. In neuropathic pain, alteration in neurotransmission occurs at various levels, including the dorsal root ganglia, the spinal cord, and the brain, resulting from the malfunction of diverse molecules such as receptors, ion channels, and elements of specific intracellular signaling pathways.