Cav13Kanäle

Cav13Kanäle, also known as L-type calcium channels, are a specific type of voltage-gated ion channel. They are crucial for the influx of calcium ions (Ca2+) into cells in response to changes in membrane potential. These channels are distinguished by their slow activation and inactivation kinetics. The Cav13Kanäle are composed of several subunits, with the pore-forming alpha-1 subunit (coded by CACNA1C gene) playing a central role in channel function. Accessory subunits, such as beta and alpha2-delta, modulate channel trafficking, expression, and gating properties. Cav13Kanäle are widely expressed throughout the body, with particularly high concentrations found in cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, and neurons. In the heart, they are essential for excitation-contraction coupling, regulating the force and rhythm of heartbeats. In smooth muscle, they contribute to muscle tone and contraction in various organs like blood vessels and the digestive tract. In the nervous system, Cav13Kanäle are involved in neurotransmitter release and neuronal excitability. Dysfunction of Cav13Kanäle has been implicated in a range of cardiovascular diseases, including arrhythmias and hypertension, as well as neurological disorders. Pharmacological modulation of Cav13Kanäle is a key strategy in treating these conditions, with calcium channel blockers being a common class of drugs.