Splicing of α(1A) subunit gene generates phenotypic variants of P- and Q-type calcium channels

Abstract

P-type and Q-type calcium channels mediate neurotransmitter release at many synapses in the mammalian nervous system. The α(1A) calcium channel has been implicated in the etiologies of conditions such as episodic ataxia, epilepsy and familial migraine, and shares several properties with native P- and Q-type channels. However, the exact relationship between α(1A) and P- and Q-type channels is unknown. Here we report that alternative splicing of the α(1A) subunit gene results in channels with distinct kinetic, pharmacological and modulatory properties. Overall, the results indicate that alternative splicing of the α(1A) gene generates P-type and Q-type channels as well as multiple phenotypic variants.