Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kv4.1

Title: Beta subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels.

Authors: Annette C Dolphin

Journal, date & volume: J. Bioenerg. Biomembr., 2003 Dec , 35, 599-620

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15000522

Abstract
Calcium channel beta subunits have marked effects on the trafficking and on several of the biophysical properties of all high voltage activated calcium channels. In this article I shall review information on the different genes, on the structure of the beta subunits, and on their differential expression and post-translational modification. Their role in trafficking and assembly of the calcium channel heteromultimer will be described, and I will then review their effects on voltage-dependent and kinetic properties, stressing the differences between palmitoylated beta2a and the other beta subunits. Evidence for effects on calcium channel pharmacology will also be examined. I shall discuss the hypothesis that beta subunits can bind reversibly to calcium channels, and examine their role in the G protein modulation of calcium channels. Finally, I shall describe the consequences of knock-out of different beta subunit genes, and describe evidence for the involvement of beta subunits in disease.