A rich conformational palette underlies human CaV2.1-channel availability

Kaiqian Wang, Michelle Nilsson, Marina Angelini, Riccardo Olcese, Fredrik Elinder and Antonios Pantazis ()
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Kaiqian Wang: Linköping University
Michelle Nilsson: Linköping University
Marina Angelini: University of California
Riccardo Olcese: University of California
Fredrik Elinder: Linköping University
Antonios Pantazis: Linköping University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract Depolarization-evoked opening of CaV2.1 (P/Q-type) Ca2+-channels triggers neurotransmitter release, while voltage-dependent inactivation (VDI) limits channel availability to open, contributing to synaptic plasticity. The mechanism of CaV2.1 response to voltage is unclear. Using voltage-clamp fluorometry and kinetic modeling, we optically track and physically characterize the structural dynamics of the four CaV2.1 voltage-sensor domains (VSDs). The VSDs are differentially sensitive to voltage changes, both brief and long-lived. VSD-I seems to directly drive opening and convert between two modes of function, associated with VDI. VSD-II is apparently voltage-insensitive. VSD-III and VSD-IV sense more negative voltages and undergo voltage-dependent conversion uncorrelated with VDI. Auxiliary β-subunits regulate VSD-I-to-pore coupling and VSD conversion kinetics. Hence, the central role of CaV2.1 channels in synaptic release, and their contribution to plasticity, memory formation and learning, can arise from the voltage-dependent conformational changes of VSD-I.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58884-2

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