Write a report with an introduction to Cav1.4 ion channel. Taking no more than 2

Question

Write a report with an introduction to Cav1.4 ion channel. Taking no more than 2 – 5 pages, provide a level of detail comparable to that provided for Na+ and K+ ion channels i.e. single channel conductance, gating profiles, permeability to ions other than Ca+2, time constants, etc. Where is the channel located and what physiological function does it support? Are there particular channelopathies associated with your CavX.Y ion channel. If so, what are the symptoms and does this make sense w.r.t. what you know about channel function?

Explanation / Answer

CAV1.4 is a human gene. It is also known as calcium channel, voltage-dependent, L type, alpha 1F subunit (CACNA1F).

The instructions for making one subunit of the calcium channel, CaV1.4 is provided by the the CACNA1F gene. This channel forms pore in the cell membrane to allow flow of calcium ions.

CaV1.4 encodes for calcium channel which is dihydropyridine-sensitive. It is not affected by coexpression of ancillary calcium channel subunits or by calcium ions.Calcium binding protein 4, binds to CaV1.4 and hyperpolarizes its activation profile.

CaV1.4 channels have an important role in the retina of the eye where they are located in the photoreceptors. CaV1.4 channels transmit visual signals from the rods and cones to the bipolar cells. They,thus have a very important role in normal vision.

Mutations in the alpha-1 subunit affects the function of CaV1.4 channels.There is no calcium ion transport and the vision gets impaired.

Mutations in the CACNA1F gene cause vision problems like nearsightedness, loss of sharpness, Night blindness may also occur.

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