Abstract

Calcium ions are ubiquitous intracellular mediators of numerous cellular processes. One of the main mechanisms of Ca²⁺ entry into the cell involves the opening of Ca²⁺ channels in the plasma membrane. To effectively control Ca²⁺ signalling, Ca²⁺ channels inactivate rapidly by a mechanism that depends on an elevation of intracellular Ca²⁺ within tens of nanometres of the channel pore. A structural understanding of this mechanism will provide a framework for understanding the regulation of Ca²⁺ entry and accumulation in neurons. Recent physiological, biochemical and molecular studies have yielded new insights into the regulation of neuronal Ca²⁺ channels.

Author affiliations

1. Otto-von-Guericke-Universität, Institute of Physiology, Leipziger Strae 44, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany.

Correspondence to: Thomas Budde¹ Email: thomas.budde@medizin.uni-magdeburg.de