Received for publication May 3, 2004.
Revised July 16, 2004.
Accepted for publication July 19, 2004.

Calcium channels as integrators of G protein-mediated signals in neurons

Abstract

The observations from Dunlap and Fischbach that transmitter-mediated shortening of the duration of action potentials could be due to a decrease in calcium conductance led to numerous studies of the mechanisms of modulation of voltage-dependent calcium channels. Calcium channels are well-known targets for inhibition by receptor-G protein pathways, and multiple forms of inhibition have been described. Inhibition of Ca²⁺ channels can be mediated by G protein beta-gamma subunits or by kinases, such as protein kinase C and tyrosine kinases. In the last few years, it has been shown that integration of G protein signaling can take place at the level of the calcium channel by regulation of the interaction of the channel pore-forming subunit with different cellular proteins.

Key words: Gi family, Calcium (G Protein Coupled Signals), G protein regulation, RGS proteins