Ca2+/calmodulin binds to and modulates P/Q-type calcium channels

Amy Lee, Scott T. Wong, Daniel Gallagher, Bin Li, Daniel R. Storm, Todd Scheuer and William A. Catterall ()
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Amy Lee: University of Washington
Scott T. Wong: University of Washington
Daniel Gallagher: University of Washington
Bin Li: University of Washington
Daniel R. Storm: University of Washington
Todd Scheuer: University of Washington
William A. Catterall: University of Washington

Nature, 1999, vol. 399, issue 6732, 155-159

Abstract: Abstract Neurotransmitter release at many central synapses is initiated by an influx of calcium ions through P/Q-type calcium channels1,2, which are densely localized in nerve terminals3. Because neurotransmitter release is proportional to the fourth power of calcium concentration4,5, regulation of its entry can profoundly influence neurotransmission. N- and P/Q-type calcium channels are inhibited by G proteins6,7, and recent evidence indicates feedback regulation of P/Q-type channels by calcium8. Although calcium-dependent inactivation of L-type channels is well documented9,10,11, little is known about how calcium modulates P/Q-type channels. Here we report a calcium-dependent interaction between calmodulin and a novel site in the carboxy-terminal domain of the α1A subunit of P/Q-type channels. In the presence of low concentrations of intracellular calcium chelators, calcium influx through P/Q-type channels enhances channel inactivation, increases recovery from inactivation and produces a long-lasting facilitation of the calcium current. These effects are prevented by overexpression of a calmodulin-binding inhibitor peptide and by deletion of the calmodulin-binding domain. Our results reveal an unexpected association of Ca2+/calmodulin with P/Q-type calcium channels that may contribute to calcium-dependent synaptic plasticity.

Date: 1999
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DOI: 10.1038/20194

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