Functional properties of a newly identified C-terminal splice variant of Cav1.3 L-type Ca2+ channels.

An intramolecular interaction between a distal (DCRD) and a proximal regulatory domain (PCRD) within the C terminus of long Ca(v)1.3 L-type Ca(2+) channels (Ca(v)1.3(L)) is a major determinant of their voltage- and Ca(2+)-dependent gating kinetics.

Antiapoptotic and proliferative effects of low concentrations of 7β-hydroxycholesterol in human endothelial cells via ERK activation.

The atherogenic potential of oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) has been correlated to their 7beta-hydroxycholesterol (7betaOHC) content; oxLDLs have a dual effect on endothelial cell viability, inducing apoptosis or proliferation depending on the concentration. Considering that 7betaOHC is apoptotic for endothelial cells at concentrations >/=20 mug/ml, a study on the effect of lower concentrations of 7betaOHC on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was undertaken. 7betaOHC (1-10 mug/ml) increased 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction of growth-factor-deprived HUVECs.

Modulation of voltage- and Ca2+-dependent gating of CaV1.3 L-type calcium channels by alternative splicing of a C-terminal regulatory domain.

Low voltage activation of Ca(V)1.3 L-type Ca(2+) channels controls excitability in sensory cells and central neurons as well as sinoatrial node pacemaking. Ca(V)1.