FEATURES

FAMILY

calcium channel alpha-1 subunit (TC 1.A.1.11) family

DESCRIPTION

Also known as CAC1A_HUMAN, CACNA1A, CACH4, CACN3, CACNL1A4. Voltage-sensitive calcium channels (VSCC) mediate the entry of calcium ions into excitable cells and are also involved in a variety of calcium-dependent processes, including muscle contraction, hormone or neurotransmitter release, gene expression, cell motility, cell division and cell death. The isoform alpha-1A gives rise to P and/or Q-type calcium currents. P/Q-type calcium channels belong to the 'high-voltage activated' (HVA) group and are specifically blocked by the spider omega-agatoxin-IVA (AC P54282) (By similarity). They are however insensitive to dihydropyridines (DHP). Voltage-dependent calcium channels are multisubunit complexes, consisting of alpha-1, alpha-2, beta and delta subunits in a 1:1:1:1 ratio. The channel activity is directed by the pore-forming and voltage-sensitive alpha-1 subunit. In many cases, this subunit is sufficient to generate voltage-sensitive calcium channel activity. The auxiliary subunits beta and alpha-2/delta linked by a disulfide bridge regulate the channel activity. Interacts (via C-terminal CDB motif) with CABP1 in the pre- and postsynaptic membranes. Interacts with the spider omega-agatoxin-IVA (AC P30288).

EXTERNAL LINKS

CACNA1A

Voltage-dependent P/Q-type calcium channel subunit alpha-1A

CACNA1A

Molecular Synopsis