Shank3 deficiency alters midbrain GABAergic neuron morphology, GABAergic markers and synaptic activity in primary striatal neurons.

Abnormalities in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurotransmission play a role in the pathogenesis of autism, although the mechanisms responsible for alterations in specific brain regions remain unclear. Deficits in social motivation and interactions are core symptoms of autism, likely due to defects in dopaminergic neural pathways. Therefore, investigating the morphology and functional roles of GABAergic neurons within dopaminergic projection areas could elucidate the underlying etiology of autism.

Secretory carrier-associated membrane protein 2 (SCAMP2) regulates cell surface expression of T-type calcium channels.

Low-voltage-activated T-type Ca channels are key regulators of neuronal excitability both in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Therefore, their recruitment at the plasma membrane is critical in determining firing activity patterns of nerve cells. In this study, we report the importance of secretory carrier-associated membrane proteins (SCAMPs) in the trafficking regulation of T-type channels.

De novo SCN8A and inherited rare CACNA1H variants associated with severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy.

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are a group of severe epilepsies that are characterized by seizures and developmental delay. DEEs are primarily attributed to genetic causes and an increasing number of cases have been correlated with variants in ion channel genes. In this study, we report a child with an early severe DEE.

Modulation of voltage-gated Ca2.2 Ca channels by newly identified interaction partners.

Voltage-gated Ca channels are typically integrated in a complex network of protein-protein-interactions, also referred to as Ca channel nanodomains. Amongst the neuronal Ca2 channel family, Ca2.2 is of particular importance due to its general role for signal transmission from the periphery to the central nervous system, but also due to its significance for pain perception.

A Study among the Genotype, Functional Alternations, and Phenotype of 9 SCN1A Mutations in Epilepsy Patients.

Mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel Na1.1 (SCN1A) are linked to various epileptic phenotypes with different severities, however, the consequences of newly identified SCN1A variants on patient phenotype is uncertain so far. The functional impact of nine SCN1A variants, including five novel variants identified in this study, was studied using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings measurement of mutant Na1.

A rare CACNA1H variant associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis causes complete loss of Ca3.2 T-type channel activity.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of cortical, brain stem and spinal motor neurons that leads to muscle weakness and death. A previous study implicated CACNA1H encoding for Ca3.2 calcium channels as a susceptibility gene in ALS.

Identification of a molecular gating determinant within the carboxy terminal region of Ca3.3 T-type channels.

The physiological functions controlled by T-type channels are intrinsically dependent on their gating properties, and alteration of T-type channel activity is linked to several human disorders. Therefore, it is essential to develop a clear understanding of the structural determinants responsible for the unique gating features of T-type channels. Here, we have investigated the specific role of the carboxy terminal region by creating a series a deletion constructs expressed in tsA-201 cells and analyzing them by patch clamp electrophysiology.

Structure, function and regulation of Ca 2.2 N-type calcium channels.

N-type or Ca2.2 high-voltage activated calcium channels are distinguished by exclusively neuronal tissue distribution, sensitivity to ω-conotoxins, prominent inhibition by G-proteins, and a unique role in nociception. Most investigated modulatory pathway regulating the Ca2.

Correction to: Four novel interaction partners demonstrate diverse modulatory effects on voltage-gated Ca2.2 Ca channels.

The article was originally published with one author missing. The name of the co-author Roman Moravcik was inadvertently omitted. His name and affiliation have now been added to the author list.

Four novel interaction partners demonstrate diverse modulatory effects on voltage-gated Ca2.2 Ca channels.

Voltage-gated Ca channels are embedded in a network of protein interactions that are fundamental for channel function and modulation. Different strategies such as high-resolution quantitative MS analyses and yeast-two hybrid screens have been used to uncover these Ca channel nanodomains. We applied the yeast split-ubiquitin system with its specific advantages to search for interaction partners of the Ca2.

Role of individual S4 segments in gating of Ca3.1 T-type calcium channel by voltage.

Contributions of voltage sensing S4 segments in domains I - IV of Ca3.1 channel to channel activation were analyzed. Neutralization of the uppermost charge in individual S4 segments by exchange of arginine for cysteine was employed.

Repertoire of high voltage-activated Ca2+ channels in the lateral superior olive: functional analysis in wild-type, Ca(v)1.3(-/-), and Ca(v)1.2DHP(-/-) mice.

Voltage-gated Ca(2+) (Ca(v))1.3 α-subunits of high voltage-activated Ca(2+) channels (HVACCs) are essential for Ca(2+) influx and transmitter release in cochlear inner hair cells and therefore for signal transmission into the central auditory pathway. Their absence leads to deafness and to striking structural changes in the auditory brain stem, particularly in the lateral superior olive (LSO).