alpha2delta4

alpha2delta4 is a gene that encodes a protein involved in calcium channel regulation. It is a member of the alpha-2/delta subunit family, which are auxiliary subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels. These subunits play a critical role in modulating the trafficking, assembly, and function of the pore-forming alpha-1 subunit of the calcium channel. Specifically, alpha2delta4 interacts with various types of calcium channels, influencing their conductivity and gating properties.

The protein encoded by alpha2delta4 is thought to be a transmembrane protein, with a large extracellular domain and a smaller intracellular domain. It is expressed in various tissues, including the brain, heart, and skeletal muscle. In the central nervous system, alpha2delta4 has been implicated in synaptic plasticity, neurotransmitter release, and neuronal excitability. Dysregulation of alpha2delta4 has been associated with neurological disorders, although the precise mechanisms are still under investigation.

Research into alpha2delta4 is ongoing, with a focus on its role in pain signaling, epilepsy, and other conditions involving calcium channel dysfunction. Understanding the precise function of alpha2delta4 and its interactions with other proteins may offer new therapeutic targets for a range of diseases. Its contribution to the overall complex machinery of calcium channel regulation highlights the intricate nature of cellular signaling pathways.