NCS-1 Deficiency Affects mRNA Levels of Genes Involved in Regulation of ATP Synthesis and Mitochondrial Stress in Highly Vulnerable Dopaminergic Neurons.

Neuronal Ca sensor proteins (NCS) transduce changes in Ca homeostasis into altered signaling and neuronal function. NCS-1 activity has emerged as important for neuronal viability and pathophysiology. The progressive degeneration of dopaminergic (DA) neurons, particularly within the (SN), is the hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD), causing its motor symptoms.

Cav2.3 channels contribute to dopaminergic neuron loss in a model of Parkinson's disease.

Degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra causes the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The mechanisms underlying this age-dependent and region-selective neurodegeneration remain unclear. Here we identify Cav2.