Voltage-sensitive calcium channels in normal and transformed 3T3 fibroblasts

Science. 1988 Feb 26;239(4843):1024-6. doi: 10.1126/science.2449730.

Abstract

Patch clamp recordings of whole-cell and single channel currents revealed the presence of two voltage-sensitive calcium channel types in the membrane of 3T3 fibroblasts. The two calcium channel types were identified by their unitary properties and pharmacological sensitivities. Both calcium channel types were present in all control 3T3 cells, but one type was selectively suppressed in 3T3 cells that had been transformed by activated c-H-ras, EJ-ras, v-fms, or polyoma middle T oncogenes. The presence of voltage-sensitive calcium channels in these nonexcitable cells and the control of their functional expression by transforming oncogenes raises questions about their role in the control of calcium-sensitive processes such as cell motility, cytoskeletal organization, and cell growth.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Calcium Channel Agonists
  • Cell Division
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Line, Transformed
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic*
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Fibroblasts / physiology*
  • Ion Channels / drug effects
  • Ion Channels / physiology*
  • Kinetics
  • Membrane Potentials
  • Mice
  • Nicotinic Acids / pharmacology
  • Oncogenes
  • Oxadiazoles*

Substances

  • Calcium Channel Agonists
  • Ion Channels
  • Nicotinic Acids
  • Oxadiazoles
  • PN 202-791
  • Calcium