CACNA1C
Developmental stage
During gestation, expression in the uterus is relatively constant between 34 and 47 days, increases by approximately threefold relative to the expression level of 34 days by 54 days and persists at the elevated levels through term.
Domain
Each of the four internal repeats contains five hydrophobic transmembrane segments (S1, S2, S3, S5, S6) and one positively charged transmembrane segment (S4). S4 segments probably represent the voltage-sensor and are characterized by a series of positively charged amino acids at every third position.
Binding of intracellular calcium through the EF-hand motif inhibits the opening of the channel.
Function
Pore-forming, alpha-1C subunit of the voltage-gated calcium channel that gives rise to L-type calcium currents (PubMed:10101289). Mediates influx of calcium ions into the cytoplasm, and thereby triggers calcium release from the sarcoplasm (By similarity). Plays an important role in excitation-contraction coupling in the heart (By similarity). Required for normal heart development and normal regulation of heart rhythm (By similarity). Required for normal contraction of smooth muscle cells in blood vessels and in the intestine (By similarity). Essential for normal blood pressure regulation via its role in the contraction of arterial smooth muscle cells (By similarity). Long-lasting (L-type) calcium channels belong to the 'high-voltage activated' (HVA) group (By similarity).
Post-translational modifications
Phosphorylation by PKA at Ser-1927 activates the channel. Elevated levels of blood glucose lead to increased phosphorylation by PKA.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the calcium channel alpha-1 subunit (TC 1.A.1.11) family. CACNA1C subfamily.
Tissue Specificity
Expressed in heart (PubMed:10101289). Expressed in uterus (PubMed:11058528).
Cellular localization
- Cell membrane
- Multi-pass membrane protein
- Cell membrane
- Sarcolemma
- Multi-pass membrane protein
- Perikaryon
- Postsynaptic density membrane
- Cell projection
- Dendrite
- Cell membrane
- Sarcolemma
- T-tubule
- Colocalizes with ryanodine receptors in distinct clusters at the junctional membrane, where the sarcolemma and the sarcoplasmic reticulum are in close contact. The interaction between RRAD and CACNB2 promotes the expression of CACNA1C at the cell membrane.
Alternative names
CACH2, CACN2, CACNL1A1, CCHL1A1, CACNA1C, Voltage-dependent L-type calcium channel subunit alpha-1C, Voltage-gated calcium channel subunit alpha Cav1.2