Structure and function of T-type calcium channels

Abstract

Molecular structure of the T-type Ca(2+) channel was first clarified by the cloning of Ca(V)3.1 (alpha(1G)) as an authentic component of the T-type channel. Since then, much progress has been made in understanding functions of the T-type Ca(2+) channels, because it has become possible to study structure-function relationship for the T-type channel using mutagenesis techniques and to examine abnormal phenotypes of T-type channel knock-out mice. Here we will review briefly the recent progress in studies on structure and function of T-type Ca(2+) channels.