A Ca(v)3.2/syntaxin-1A signaling complex controls T-type channel activity and low-threshold exocytosis

J Biol Chem. 2012 Jan 20;287(4):2810-8. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M111.290882. Epub 2011 Nov 30.

Abstract

T-type calcium channels represent a key pathway for Ca(2+) entry near the resting membrane potential. Increasing evidence supports a unique role of these channels in fast and low-threshold exocytosis in an action potential-independent manner, but the underlying molecular mechanisms have remained unknown. Here, we report the existence of a syntaxin-1A/Ca(v)3.2 T-type calcium channel signaling complex that relies on molecular determinants that are distinct from the synaptic protein interaction site (synprint) found in synaptic high voltage-activated calcium channels. This interaction potently modulated Ca(v)3.2 channel activity, by reducing channel availability. Other members of the T-type calcium channel family were also regulated by syntaxin-1A, but to a smaller extent. Overexpression of Ca(v)3.2 channels in MPC 9/3L-AH chromaffin cells induced low-threshold secretion that could be prevented by uncoupling the channels from syntaxin-1A. Altogether, our findings provide compelling evidence for the existence of a syntaxin-1A/T-type Ca(2+) channel signaling complex and provide new insights into the molecular mechanism by which these channels control low-threshold exocytosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Calcium Channels, T-Type / genetics
  • Calcium Channels, T-Type / metabolism*
  • Cell Line
  • Exocytosis / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Multiprotein Complexes / genetics
  • Multiprotein Complexes / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Syntaxin 1 / genetics
  • Syntaxin 1 / metabolism*

Substances

  • CACNA1H protein, human
  • Calcium Channels, T-Type
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • Syntaxin 1