Genomic structure and functional expression of a human alpha(2)/delta calcium channel subunit gene (CACNA2)

CACNA2 encodes the alpha(2)/delta subunit of the human voltage-gated calcium channels and is located in the candidate region of malignant hyperthermia susceptibility type 3 (MHS3). We determined the structural organization of CACNA2 by isolation of overlapping genomic DNA clones from a human phage library. The gene consists of at least 40 exons, 2 of which are alternatively spliced, spanning more than 150 kb of genomic DNA. Exons range from 21 to 159 bp, and introns range from 98 bp to at least more than 20 kb. We constructed a full-length cDNA and cloned it into a mammalian expression vector. Cotransfection of the CACNA2 cDNA with alpha(1A) and beta(4) cDNA into HEK293 cells led to the expression of Q-type calcium currents. The alpha(2)/delta subunit enhanced the current density 18-fold compared to cells transfected with only alpha(1A) and beta(4) cDNA. The sequence analysis provides the basis for comprehensive mutation screening of CACNA2 for putative MHS3 individuals and patients with other channelopathies.