A macromolecular trafficking complex composed of β₂-adrenergic receptors, A-Kinase Anchoring Proteins and L-type calcium channels
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

A High-content Assay for Monitoring AMPA Receptor Trafficking
Published on: January 28, 2019
Robyn Flynn1, Christophe Altier
1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Abstract:
Abstract Sympathetic modulation of cardiac L-type calcium channels is an important mechanism for regulating heart rate and cardiac contractility. At the molecular level, activation of β-adrenergic receptors (βAR) increases calcium influx into cardiac myocytes by activating protein kinase A (PKA), leading to subsequent phosphorylation of L-type calcium channels. In the case of the β2AR, this process is facilitated by the presence of A-Kinase Anchoring Proteins (AKAPs) that serve as scaffolding proteins for the L-type calcium channel and the β2AR complex. Our work has shown that, in addition to facilitating PKA phosphorylation of the channel, AKAPs also promote an increase in the Cav1.2 channel surface expression. Here we review the molecular mechanisms of β2AR/AKAP/L-type channel interactions and trafficking.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Assembly of Signaling Complexes
Interaction domains in cell signaling
Interaction domains recognize exposed features of their binding partners containing post-translationally modified sequences,...
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...
Calmodulin-dependent Signaling
The Ca2+-CaM complex does not have enzymatic activity by itself. Instead, the complex binds downstream target proteins, including membrane proteins or enzymes,...
Protein Translocation Machinery on the ER Membrane
Sec61 protein conducting channel
In eukaryotes, the translocon complex comprises a core heterotrimeric translocator channel called the Sec61 complex. This channel includes three transmembrane proteins, Sec61α, Sec61β, and Sec61γ, and is the largest subunit of the translocon complex.
Tension Response at Adherens Junctions
α-Catenin as a Mechanosensory Protein
The α-catenin of adherens junctions is an allosteric protein with three VH (vinculin homology) domains...
Adrenergic Receptors: β Subtype
Isoprenaline > Adrenaline > Noradrenaline
Neurotransmitter binding to these receptors causes activation of adenylyl cyclase resulting in increased concentrations of cAMP and modulation of calcium ion channels within the cell. They are further classified into β1, β2, and β3 subtypes.
β1-adrenoceptors: β1-adrenoceptors have equal affinities for...

