ISSN:
1573-6881
Keywords:
Calcium channel
;
neuron
;
endocrine
;
N-type
;
conotoxin
;
secretion
;
vesicle
;
granule
;
recruitment
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Physics
Notes:
Abstract The N-type voltage-operated calcium channel has been characterized over the years as a high-threshold channel, with variable inactivation kinetics, and a unique ability to bind with high affinity and specificity ω-conotoxin GVIA and related toxins. This channel is particularly expressed in some neurons and endocrine cells, where it participates in several calcium-dependent processes, including secretion. ω-conotoxin GVIA was instrumental not only for the biophysical and pharmacological characterization of N-type channels but also for the development of in vitro assays for studying N-type VOCC subcellular localization, biosynthesis, turnover, as well as short-and long-term regulation of its expression. We here summarize our studies on N-type VOCC expression in neurosecretory cells, with a major emphasis on recent data demonstrating the presence of N-type channels in intracellular secretory organelles and their recruitment to the cell surface during regulated exocytosis.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1021945907635
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