Cav2.1 is a voltage-sensitive calcium channels (VSCC) which belongs to the calcium channel alpha-1 subunit family. Cav2.1 mediates the entry of calcium ions into excitable cells and is also involved in a variety of calcium-dependent processes, including muscle contraction, hormone or neurotransmitter release, gene expression, cell motility, cell division and cell death. Cav2.1 (isoform alpha-1A) gives rise to P and/or Q-type calcium currents. Voltage-dependent calcium channels are multisubunit complexes, consisting of alpha-1, alpha-2, beta and delta subunits in a 1:1:1:1 ratio. The channel activity is directed by the pore-forming and voltage-sensitive alpha-1 subunit. In many cases, this subunit is sufficient to generate voltage-sensitive calcium channel activity. The auxiliary subunits beta and alpha-2/delta linked by a disulfide bridge regulate the channel activity.

Cell Membrane