Protein Interaction Partners of Cav2.3 R-Type Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels

The Cav2.3 voltage-gated calcium channel represents the most enigmatic of all voltage-gated calcium channels due to its pharmacological inertness and to its mixed characteristics of HVA and LVA calcium channels. Protein interaction partners of the cytosolic II-III linker of Cav2.3 contribute to calcium homeostasis by regulating the channels surface expression and activation. Specific regulation of Cav2.3 by proteins interacting with the carboxy terminal region plays an important role in exocytosis and presynaptic plasticity, linking channel function to long-term potentiation. Modulation of Cav2.3 by its interaction partners thus contributes to several physiologic processes such as signal transduction in the retina, insulin secretion and generation of rhythmic activity in the heart and in the brain.