A three-way inter-molecular network accounts for the CaVα2δ1-induced functional modulation of the pore-forming CaV1.2 subunit

L-type CaV1.2 channels are essential for the excitation-contraction coupling in cardiomyocytes and are hetero-oligomers of a pore-forming CaVα1C assembled with CaVβ and CaVα2δ1 subunits. A direct interaction between CaVα2δ1 and Asp-181 in the first extracellular loop of CaVα1 reproduces the native properties of the channel. A 3D model of the von Willebrand factor type A (VWA) domain of CaVα2δ1 complexed with the voltage sensor domain of CaVα1C suggests that Ser-261 and Ser-263 residues in the metal ion-dependent adhesion site (MIDAS) motif are determinant in this interaction, but this hypothesis is untested. Here, coimmunoprecipitation assays and patch-clamp experiments of single-substitution variants revealed that CaVα2δ1 Asp-259 and Ser-261 are the two most important residues in regard to protein interactions and modulation of CaV1.2 currents. In contrast, mutating the side chains of CaVα2δ1 Ser-263, Thr-331, and Asp-363 with alanine did not completely prevent channel function. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the carboxylate side chain of CaVα2δ1 Asp-259 coordinates the divalent cation that is further stabilized by the oxygen atoms from the hydroxyl side chain of CaVα2δ1 Ser-261 and the carboxylate group of CaVα1C Asp-181. In return, the hydrogen atoms contributed by the side chain of Ser-261 and the main chain of Ser-263 bonded the oxygen atoms of CaV1.2 Asp-181. We propose that CaVα2δ1 Asp-259 promotes Ca2+ binding necessary to produce the conformation of the VWA domain that locks CaVα2δ1 Ser-261 and Ser-263 within atomic distance of CaVα1C Asp-181. This three-way network appears to account for the CaVα2δ1-induced modulation of CaV1.2 currents.