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Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Ex Vivo Imaging of Cell-specific Calcium Signaling at the Tripartite Synapse of the Mouse Diaphragm
Published on: October 4, 2018
Mouse models to study L-type calcium channel function
Sven Moosmang1, Peter Lenhardt, Nicole Haider
1Institut für Pharmakologie, Technische Universität München, Biedersteiner Strasse 29, 80802, München, Germany. moosmang@ipt.med.tu-muenchen.de
Abstract:
Calcium influx through voltage gated L-type Ca2+ channels has evolved as one of the most widely used transmembrane signalling mechanisms in eukaryotic organisms. Although pharmacological inhibitors of L-type Ca2+ channels have an important place in medical therapy, the full therapeutic potential of the 4 L-type Ca2+ channel subtypes has not been explored yet. To dissect the physiological relevance of the L-type Ca2+ channel subtype diversity, gene-targeted mouse models carrying deletions of these channels ("knockout mice") have been generated. This review focuses on recent data from studies in mice lacking the Ca(v)1.2 and Ca(v)1.3 pore subunits, which have elucidated some of the roles of L-type Ca2+ channels as mediators of signalling between cell membrane and intracellular processes like blood pressure regulation, smooth muscle contractility, insulin secretion, cardiac development, and learning and memory.
Insights
Investigating L-type calcium channels (CaV) in mice reveals their crucial roles in physiological processes. Gene deletions of CaV1.2 and CaV1.3 subtypes highlight their importance in blood pressure, muscle, and cognitive functions.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- L-type Ca2+ channels are vital for transmembrane signaling in eukaryotes.
- Despite therapeutic use of inhibitors, the full potential of L-type Ca2+ channel subtypes remains unexplored.
- Understanding subtype diversity is key to unlocking therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on the physiological relevance of L-type Ca2+ channel subtypes.
- To elucidate the roles of Ca(v)1.2 and Ca(v)1.3 pore subunits in cellular signaling.
- To explore the impact of L-type Ca2+ channels on various physiological processes.
Main Methods:
- Generation of gene-targeted mouse models with deletions in L-type Ca2+ channel genes.
- Analysis of data from knockout mice lacking Ca(v)1.2 and Ca(v)1.3 pore subunits.
- Review of studies dissecting the physiological relevance of L-type Ca2+ channel diversity.
Main Results:
- Studies in knockout mice have elucidated roles for Ca(v)1.2 and Ca(v)1.3 channels.
- These channels mediate signaling between the cell membrane and intracellular processes.
- Key functions include blood pressure regulation, smooth muscle contractility, and insulin secretion.
Conclusions:
- L-type Ca2+ channel diversity plays a significant role in physiological regulation.
- Ca(v)1.2 and Ca(v)1.3 channels are critical for functions such as cardiac development and learning/memory.
- Further exploration of L-type Ca2+ channel subtypes holds therapeutic promise.
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