Thermosensitivity of the voltage-dependent activation of calcium homeostasis modulator 1 (calhm1) ion channel.

Abstract Calcium homeostasis modulator 1 (calhm1) proteins form an outwardly rectifying nonselective ion channel having exceedingly slow kinetics and low sensitivity to voltage that is shifted by lowering extracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]e). Here we found that physiological temperature dramatically facilitates the voltage-dependent activation of the calhm1 current (Icalhm1); increased amplitude (Q10, 7–15) and fastened speed of activation. Also, the leftward shift of the half-activation voltage (V1/2) was similary observed in the normal and lower [Ca2+]e. Since calhm1 is highly expressed in the brain and taste cells, the thermosensitivity should be considered in their electrophysiology.