Towards a unified theory of calmodulin regulation (calmodulation) of voltage-gated calcium and sodium channels

M Ben-Johny, IE Dick, L Sang… - Current molecular …, 2015 - ingentaconnect.com
M Ben-Johny, IE Dick, L Sang, WB Limpitikul, P Wei Kang, J Niu, R Banerjee, W Yang…
Current molecular pharmacology, 2015ingentaconnect.com
Voltage-gated Na and Ca2+ channels represent two major ion channel families that enable
myriad biological functions including the generation of action potentials and the coupling of
electrical and chemical signaling in cells. Calmodulin regulation (calmodulation) of these ion
channels comprises a vital feedback mechanism with distinct physiological implications.
Though long-sought, a shared understanding of the channel families remained elusive for
two decades as the functional manifestations and the structural underpinnings of this …
Voltage-gated Na and Ca2+ channels represent two major ion channel families that enable myriad biological functions including the generation of action potentials and the coupling of electrical and chemical signaling in cells. Calmodulin regulation (calmodulation) of these ion channels comprises a vital feedback mechanism with distinct physiological implications. Though long-sought, a shared understanding of the channel families remained elusive for two decades as the functional manifestations and the structural underpinnings of this modulation often appeared to diverge. Here, we review recent advancements in the understanding of calmodulation of Ca2+ and Na channels that suggest a remarkable similarity in their regulatory scheme. This interrelation between the two channel families now paves the way towards a unified mechanistic framework to understand vital calmodulin-dependent feedback and offers shared principles to approach related channelopathic diseases. An exciting era of synergistic study now looms.
ingentaconnect.com