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Functional properties of the purified N-type Ca2+ channel from rabbit brain
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Functional properties of the purified N-type Ca2+ channel from rabbit brain

Michel De Waard, Derrick R Witcher and Kevin P Campbell
The Journal of biological chemistry, Vol.269(9), pp.6716-6724
1994
DOI: 10.1016/S0021-9258(17)37434-3
PMID: 8120030
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0021-9258(17)37434-3View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

N-type Ca2+ channels control a variety of key neuronal functions including transmitter release at synaptic terminals. The purified omega-conotoxin receptor from rabbit brain is a multisubunit complex composed of alpha 1B, alpha 2 delta, beta 3, and 95-kDa subunits. Immunoadsorption experiments confirm that the purified preparation does not contain alpha 1 subunits other than the omega-conotoxin-sensitive class B isoform. The functional properties of the purified channel have been analyzed further in lipid bilayers, and similarities to or differences from the native N-type Ca2+ channel have been outlined. Conserved properties include ion selectivity, open-time duration, and pharmacology (insensitivity to drugs affecting skeletal muscle L-type Ca2+ channels). Observed properties of the reconstituted channel which differ from the native channel include (a) sustained channel activity without Ca(2+)- or voltage-induced inactivation; (b) examples of extremely high open-state probability; (c) the absence of "run-down"; and (d) voltage independence of the Ca2+ channel gating. In addition, the conductance of the purified receptor is comprised between 7 and 27 picosiemens. Our results suggest that cellular components may play critical roles in the regulation of several biophysical properties and neuronal function of the native N-type Ca2+ channel.
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology Biological and medical sciences Molecular and cellular biology Cell structures and functions Cell membranes. Ionic channels. Membrane pores

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