We have identified a calcium-dependent pathway in neurons that regulates expression levels of the 1B subunit and N channel current. When neurons are depolarized and voltage-gated calcium channels activated, the half-life of cellular N channel 1B mRNA is prolonged. This stabilizing effect of depolarization is mediated through the 3' untranslated region of a long form of the 1B mRNA and may represent a form of modulation of N-channel levels that does not require changes in gene transcription. Increases in N channel expression would affect several key neuronal functions controlled by calcium, including transmitter release and neurite outgrowth.
1B subunit and N channel current. When neurons are depolarized and voltage-gated calcium channels activated, the half-life of cellular N channel 
