Differential modulation of L-type calcium channel subunits by oleate

Nonesterified fatty acids such as oleate and palmitate acutely potentiate insulin secretion from pancreatic islets in a glucose-dependent manner. In addition, recent studies show that fatty acids elevate intracellular free Ca(2+) and increase voltage-gated Ca(2+) current in mouse beta-cells, although the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. Here we utilized a heterologous system to express subunit-defined voltage-dependent L-type Ca(2+) channels (LTCC) and demonstrate that beta-cell calcium may increase in part from an interaction between fatty acid and specific calcium channel subunits. Distinct functional LTCC were assembled in both COS-7 and HEK-293 cells by expressing either one of the EYFP-tagged L-type alpha(1)-subunits (beta-cell Cav1.3 or lung Cav1.2) and ERFP-tagged islet beta-subunits (ibeta(2a) or ibeta(3)). In COS-7 cells, elevations in intracellular Ca(2+) mediated by LTCC were enhanced by an oleate-BSA complex. To extend these findings, Ca(2+) current was measured in LTCC-expressing HEK-293 cells that revealed an increase in peak Ca(2+) current within 2 min after addition of the oleate complex, with maximal potentiation occurring at voltages <0 mV. Both Cav1.3 and Cav1.2 were modulated by oleate, and the presence of different auxiliary beta-subunits resulted in differential augmentation. The potentiating effect of oleate on Cav1.2 was abolished by the pretreatment of cells with triacsin C, suggesting that long-chain CoA synthesis is necessary for Ca(2+) channel modulation. These results show for the first time that two L-type Ca(2+) channels expressed in beta-cells (Cav1.3 and Cav1.2) appear to be targeted by nonesterified fatty acids. This effect may account in part for the acute potentiation of glucose-dependent insulin secretion by fatty acids.     

The ascidian dihydropyridine-resistant calcium channel as the prototype of chordate L-type calcium channel

This review describes recent findings on voltage-gated Ca channel (Cav channel) cloned from ascidians, the most primitive chordates. Ascidian L-type like Cav channel has several unusual features: (1). it is closely related to the prototype of chordate L-type Cav channels by sequence alignment; (2). it is resistant to dihydropyridine due to single amino acid change in the pore region, and (3). maternally provided RNA putatively encodes a truncated protein which has remarkable suppressive effect on Cav channel expression during development. Ascidian Cav channel will provide a useful molecular clue in the future to understand Ca(2+)-regulated cell differentiation and physiology with the background of recently defined ascidian genome and molecular biological tools.     

L-type calcium channels in adrenal chromaffin cells: role in pace-making and secretion

Voltage-gated L-type (Cav1.2 and Cav1.3) channels are widely expressed in cardiovascular tissues and represent the critical drug-target for the treatment of several cardiovascular diseases. The two isoforms are also abundantly expressed in neuronal and neuroendocrine tissues. In the brain, Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 channels control synaptic plasticity, somatic activity, neuronal differentiation and brain aging. In neuroendocrine cells, they are involved in the genesis of action potential generation, bursting activity and hormone secretion. Recent studies have shown that Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 are also expressed in chromaffin cells but their functional role has not yet been identified despite that L-type channels possess interesting characteristics, which confer them an important role in the control of catecholamine secretion during action potentials stimulation. In intact rat adrenal glands L-type channels are responsible for adrenaline and noradrenaline release following splanchnic nerve stimulation or nicotinic receptor activation. L-type channels can be either up- or down-modulated by membrane autoreceptors following distinct second messenger pathways. L-type channels are tightly coupled to BK channels and activate at relatively low-voltages. In this way they contribute to the action potential hyperpolarization and to the pace-maker current controlling action potential firings. L-type channels are shown also to regulate the fast secretion of the immediate readily releasable pool of vesicles with the same Ca(2+)-efficiency of other voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels. In mouse adrenal slices, repeated action potential-like stimulations drive L-type channels to a state of enhanced stimulus-secretion efficiency regulated by beta-adrenergic receptors. Here we will review all these novel findings and discuss the possible implication for a specific role of L-type channels in the control of chromaffin cells activity.     

L-type calcium channels as drug targets in CNS disorders

L-type calcium channels are present in most electrically excitable cells and are needed for proper brain, muscle, endocrine and sensory function. There is accumulating evidence for their involvement in brain diseases such as Parkinson disease, febrile seizures and neuropsychiatric disorders. Pharmacological inhibition of brain L-type channel isoforms, Cav1.2 and Cav1.3, may therefore be of therapeutic value. Organic calcium channels blockers are clinically used since decades for the treatment of hypertension, cardiac ischemia, and arrhythmias with a well-known and excellent safety profile. This pharmacological benefit is mainly mediated by the inhibition of Cav1.2 channels in the cardiovascular system. Despite their different biophysical properties and physiological functions, both brain channel isoforms are similarly inhibited by existing calcium channel blockers. In this review we will discuss evidence for altered L-type channel activity in human brain pathologies, new therapeutic implications of existing blockers and the rationale and current efforts to develop Cav1.3-selective compounds.     

Permeable ions differentially affect gating kinetics and unitary conductance of L-type calcium channels

Although ion permeation and gating of L-type Ca(2+) channels are generally considered separate processes controlled by distinct components of the channel protein, ion selectivity can vary with the kinetic state. To test this possibility, we studied single-channel currents (cell-attached) of recombinant L-type channels (Ca(V)1.2, beta(2a), and alpha(2)delta) transiently expressed in tsA201 cells in the presence of the channel agonist BayK 8644 which promotes long channel openings (Mode 2 openings). We found that both the brief (Mode 1) and long (Mode 2) mean open times in the presence of Ca(2+) were relatively longer than those with Ba(2+). The unitary slope conductance with Ba(2+) was significantly larger (p<0.05) in Mode 2 openings than for brief Mode 1 openings, whereas the conductance with Ca(2+) did not vary with mode gating. Consequently, the gamma(Ba):gamma(Ca) ratio was greater for Mode 2 than Mode 1 openings. Our findings indicate that both ion permeation and gating kinetics of the L-type channel are differentially modulated by permeable ions. Ca(2+) binding to the L-type channel may stabilize the alteration of channel ion permeability mediated by gating kinetics, and thus, play a role in preventing excessive ion entry when the activation gating of the channel is promoted to the prolonged open state.     

Altered expression of glycoproteins on the cell surface of Jurkat cells during etoposide-induced apoptosis: Shedding and intracellular translocation of glycoproteins

Background

The glycoproteins on the cell surface are altered during apoptosis and play an important role in phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells.

Methods

We classified Jurkat cells treated with etoposide as viable and early apoptotic cells, late apoptotic cells or secondary necrotic cells based on propidium iodide staining and scattered grams and estimated the expression levels of glycoproteins on the cell surface.

Results

The cell surface expression levels of intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAM)-2 and -3 on the apoptotic cells were markedly lower, while those of calnexin, calreticulin, and lysosome-associated membrane proteins (LAMP)-1 and -2 were significantly higher compared to non-apoptotic cells. These decreases in ICAM-2 and -3 on the apoptotic cell surface were reduced in the presence of metalloproteinase inhibitors and caspase inhibitors, respectively. Confocal microscopic analysis revealed that calnexin and calreticulin were assembled around fragmented nuclei of blebbed apoptotic cells.

Conclusions

These results suggest that alteration of glycoproteins on the cell surface during apoptosis is associated with shedding and intracellular translocation of glycoproteins.     

GATA-4 induces changes in electrophysiological properties of rat mesenchymal stem cells

Background

Transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) can differentiate into cardiac cells that have the potential to contribute to heart repair following ischemic injury. Overexpression of GATA-4 can significantly increase differentiation of MSC into cardiomyocytes (CM). However, the specific impact of GATA-4 overexpression on the electrophysiological properties of MSC-derived CM has not been well documented.

Methods

Adult rat bone marrow MSC were retrovirally transduced with GATA-4 (MSC^GATA-4) and GFP (MSC^Null) and subsequently co-cultured with neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (CM). Electrophysiological properties and mRNA levels of ion channels were assessed in MSC using patch-clamp technology and real-time PCR.

Results

MSC^GATA-4 exhibited higher levels of the TTX-sensitive Na⁺ current (I_Na.TTX), L-type calcium current (I_Ca.L), transient outward K⁺ current (I_to), delayed rectifier K⁺ current (IK_DR) and inwardly rectifying K⁺ current (I_K1) channel activities reflective of electrophysiological characteristics of CM. Real-time PCR analyses showed that MSC^GATA-4 exhibited upregulated mRNA levels of Kv1.2, Kv2.1, SCN2a1, CCHL2a, KV1.4 and Kir1.1 channels versus MSC^Null. Interestingly, MSC^GATA-4 treated with IGF-1 neutralizing antibodies resulted in a significant decrease in Kir1.1, Kv2.1, KV1.4, CCHL2a and SCN2a1 channel mRNA expression. Similarly, MSC^GATA-4 treated with VEGF neutralizing antibodies also resulted in an attenuated expression of Kv2.1, Kv1.2, Kv1.4, Kir1.1, CCHL2a and SCN2a1 channel mRNAs.

Conclusions

GATA-4 overexpression increases I_to, IK_DR, I_K1, I_Na.TTX and I_Ca.L currents in MSC. Cytokine (VGEF and IGF-1) release from GATA-4 overexpressing MSC can partially account for the upregulated ion channel mRNA expression.

General significance

Our results highlight the ability of GATA4 to boost the cardiac electrophysiological potential of MSC.     

Localization of the calcium channel subunits Cav1.2 (alpha1C) and Cav2.3 (alpha1E) in the mouse organ of Corti

Voltage-activated Ca2+ channels play an important role in synaptic transmission, signal processing and development. The immunohistochemical localization of Cav1.2 (alpha1C) and Cav2.3 (alpha1E) Ca2+ channels was studied in the developing and adult mouse organ of Corti using subunit-specific antibodies and fluorescent secondary antibodies with cochlear cryosections. Cav1.2 immunoreactivity has been detected from postnatal day 14 (P14) onwards at the synapses between cholinergic medial efferents and outer hair cells as revealed by co-staining with anti-synaptophysin and anti-choline acetyltransferase. Most likely the Cav1.2 immunoreactivity was located presynaptically at the site of contact of the efferent bouton with the outer hair cell which suggests a role for class C L-type Ca2+ channels in synaptic transmission of the medial efferent system. The localization of the second Ca2+ channel tested, Cav2.3, showed a pronounced change during cochlear development. From P2 until P10, Cav2.3 immunoreactivity was found in the outer spiral bundle followed by the inner spiral bundle, efferent endings and by medial efferent fibers. Around P14, Cav2.3 immunoreactivity disappeared from these structures and from P19 onwards it was observed in the basal poles of the outer hair cell membranes.     

Role of the C terminus of the alpha 1C (CaV1.2) subunit in membrane targeting of cardiac L-type calcium channels

We have previously demonstrated that formation of a complex between L-type calcium (Ca(2+)) channel alpha(1C) (Ca(V)1.2) and beta subunits was necessary to target the channels to the plasma membrane when expressed in tsA201 cells. In the present study, we identified a region in the C terminus of the alpha(1C) subunit that was required for membrane targeting. Using a series of C-terminal deletion mutants of the alpha(1C) subunit, a domain consisting of amino acid residues 1623-1666 ("targeting domain") in the C terminus of the alpha(1C) subunit has been identified to be important for correct targeting of L-type Ca(2+) channel complexes to the plasma membrane. Although cells expressing the wild-type alpha(1C) and beta(2a) subunits exhibited punctate clusters of channel complexes along the plasma membrane with little intracellular staining, co-expression of deletion mutants of the alpha(1C) subunit that lack the targeting domain with the beta(2a) subunit resulted in an intracellular localization of the channels. In addition, three other regions in the C terminus of the alpha(1C) subunit that were downstream of residues 1623-1666 were found to contribute to membrane targeting of the L-type channels. Deletion of these domains in the alpha(1C) subunit resulted in a reduction of plasma membrane-localized channels, and a concomitant increase in channels localized intracellularly. Taken together, these results have demonstrated that a targeting domain in the C terminus of the alpha(1C) subunit was required for proper plasma membrane localization of the L-type Ca(2+) channels.     

Ba2+ currents in inner and outer hair cells of mice lacking the voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel subunits β3 or β4

Voltage-activated Ca2+ channels comprise complexes of a pore-forming Cavα1 and auxiliary subunits Cavβ, Cavα2δ and sometimes Cavγ. The intracellular Cavβ subunit assists in trafficking and surface expression of the Cavα1 subunit and can modulate biophysical properties of the Ca2+ channel. Four genes, Cavβ1-4, exist which confer different properties to Ca2+ currents through the various Cavα1 subunits. Ca2+ currents in cochlear inner (IHC) and outer hair cells (OHC) serving synaptic transmission flow predominantly through the L type Cavα1 subunit Cav1.3, but associated Cavβ subunits are unknown. In the organ of Corti, we found mRNA and protein for all four Cavβ subunits including Cavβ2, but clear assignment of the Cavβ1 4 immunolabelling with hair cells or nerve fibers was difficult. We analyzed Cavβ3 knockout (Cavβ3 / ) and Cavβ4 mutant mice (Cavβ4lh/lh), which had normal hearing. Recording voltage-activated Ba2+ currents from hair cells of the two mouse models revealed distinct significant changes of cell size and Ba2+ current properties compared with their wildtype controls. Neonatal Cavβ4lh/lh IHCs showed reduced membrane capacitances and changes in the voltage dependence and kinetics of current activation, whereas mature IHCs had reduced peak currents compared with Cavβ4wt, altogether indicating the presence of Cavβ4 in IHCs. Ba2+ currents of Cavβ3 / OHCs showed largely reduced amplitudes, changes in the voltage dependence and kinetics of Ba2+ current activation, and increased inactivation compared with Cavβ3wt, pointing to a role of Cavβ3 for OHCs. These results indicate that neither Cavβ3 nor Cavβ4 are indispensable for hair cell Ca2+ currents but contribute to the overall current properties.     

蛇床子素对L-和N-型钙通道的影响

目的:比较蛇床子素对不同钙通道亚型的作用差异方法:首先在tsA201细胞上瞬时转染Cav1.2,Cav1.3,Cav2.2e[37a],和Cav2.2e[37b]通道,然后采用全细胞膜片钳技术,记录tsA201细胞上的钙电流,并观察蛇床子素对各种钙通道亚型的影响结果:蛇床子素可以浓度依赖性抑制Cav1.2和Cav1.3电流,抑制的半有效浓度分别为162.1μmol·L^-1和56.2μmol·L^-1。此外,蛇床子素对Cav2.2通道也有一定的抑制作用,在300μmol·L^-1的浓度下,抑制38%的Cav2.2e[37a]电流和61%的Cav2.2e[37b]电流蛇床子素对钙电流的抑制是快速可逆的蛇床子素在各个测试电位水平均能抑制上述四种钙通道电流,但不改变电流的激活阈值和最大峰值电流的激活电压。结论:蛇床子素以浓度依赖的方式抑制多种钙通道亚型并表现出不同的亲和力     

Kv7 channel modulators reduce the stress-induced hyperthermia response and cause locomotor sedation in rats

Rationale

Kv7 channels (KCNQ) are potassium ion channels that are important in controlling neuronal excitability, which have been implicated in psychiatric disorders. Specifically, a role for Kv7 channels in anxiety processes has been proposed.

Objectives

The main aim of this study was to investigate possible anxiolytic effects of Kv7 channel modulators in rats applying the stress-induced hyperthermia (SIH) paradigm, a preclinical paradigm, which uses the autonomic stress-induced rise in body temperature as a readout parameter of stress.

Results

The non-selective Kv7.2–5 channel positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) flupirtine and retigabine reduced the SIH response and basal body temperature with concomitant locomotor sedation. Administration of the Kv7.4/Kv7.5 channel negative allosteric modulator R-BMS204352 prior to injection with flupirtine did not antagonize the effects on body temperature and locomotor activity. Administration of the Kv7.4/Kv7.5 preferential PAM S-BMS204352 only modestly affected basal body temperature but did not affect the SIH response or locomotor activity levels.

Conclusions

The present study supports a role of Kv7.2/Kv7.3 channels in anxiety reduction, hypothermia and sedation, whereas preferential activation of Kv7.4/Kv7.5 channels only modestly affected body temperature and locomotor activity. Thus, the effects of Kv7 channel openers may be dissociated with regard to the contribution of different Kv7 subunits and Kv7 channel isoforms.     

The C2A domain of synaptotagmin alters the kinetics of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels Ca(v)1.2 (Lc-type) and Ca(v)2.3 (R-type)

Biochemical and genetic studies implicate synaptotagmin (Syt 1) as a Ca2+ sensor for neuronal and neuroendocrine neurosecretion. Calcium binding to Syt 1 occurs through two cytoplasmic repeats termed the C2A and C2B domains. In addition, the C2A domain of Syt 1 has calcium-independent properties required for neurotransmitter release. For example, mutation of a polylysine motif (residues 189-192) reverses the inhibitory effect of injected recombinant Syt 1 C2A fragment on neurotransmitter release from PC12 cells. Here we examined the requirement of the C2A polylysine motif for Syt 1 interaction with the cardiac Cav1.2 (L-type) and the neuronal Cav2.3 (R-type) voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, two channels required for neurotransmission. We find that the C2A polylysine motif presents a critical interaction surface with Cav1.2 and Cav2.3 since truncated Syt 1 containing a mutated motif (Syt 1*1-264) was ineffective at modifying the channel kinetics. Mutating the polylysine motif also abolished C2A binding to Lc753-893, the cytosolic interacting domain of Syt 1 at Cav1.2 1 subunit. Syt 1 and Syt 1* harboring the mutation at the KKKK motif modified channel activation, while Syt 1* only partially reversed the syntaxin 1A effects on channel activity. This mutation would interfere with the assembly of Syt 1/channel/syntaxin into an exocytotic unit. The functional interaction of the C2A polylysine domain with Cav1.2 and Cav2.3 is consistent with tethering of the secretory vesicle to the Ca2+ channel. It indicates that calcium-independent properties of Syt 1 regulate voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and contribute to the molecular events underlying transmitter release.     

Different roles attributed to Cav1 channel subtypes in spontaneous action potential firing and fine tuning of exocytosis in mouse chromaffin cells

This study examines the Cav1 isoforms expressed in mouse chromaffin cells and compares their biophysical properties and roles played in cell excitability and exocytosis. Using immunocytochemical and electrophysiological techniques in mice lacking the Cav1.3α1 subunit (Cav1.3(-/-) ) or the high sensitivity of Cav1.2α1 subunits to dihydropyridines, Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 channels were identified as the only Cav1 channel subtypes expressed in mouse chromaffin cells. Cav1.3 channels were activated at more negative membrane potentials and inactivated more slowly than Cav1.2 channels. Cav1 channels, mainly Cav1.2, control cell excitability by functional coupling to BK channels, revealed by nifedipine blockade of BK channels in wild type (WT) and Cav1.3(-/-) cells (53% and 35%, respectively), and by the identical change in the shape of the spontaneous action potentials elicited by the dihydropyridine in both strains of mice. Cav1.2 channels also play a major role in spontaneous action potential firing, supported by the following evidence: (i) a similar percentage of WT and Cav1.3(-/-) cells fired spontaneous action potentials; (ii) firing frequency did not vary between WT and Cav1.3(-/-) cells; (iii) mostly Cav1.2 channels contributed to the inward current preceding the action potential threshold; and (iv) in the presence of tetrodotoxin, WT or Cav1.3(-/-) cells exhibited spontaneous oscillatory activity, which was fully abolished by nifedipine perfusion. Finally, Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 channels were essential for controlling the exocytotic process at potentials above and below -10 mV, respectively. Our data reveal the key yet differential roles of Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 channels in mediating action potential firing and exocytotic events in the neuroendocrine chromaffin cell.     

14-3-3τ Promotes Surface Expression of Cav2.2 (α1B) Ca2+ Channels

Surface expression of voltage-gated Ca²⁺ (Cav) channels is important for their function in calcium homeostasis in the physiology of excitable cells, but whether or not and how the α1 pore-forming subunits of Cav channels are trafficked to plasma membrane in the absence of the known Cav auxiliary subunits, β and α2δ, remains mysterious. Here we showed that 14-3-3 proteins promoted functional surface expression of the Cav2.2 α1B channel in transfected tsA-201 cells in the absence of any known Cav auxiliary subunit. Both the surface to total ratio of the expressed α1B protein and the current density of voltage step-evoked Ba²⁺ current were markedly suppressed by the coexpression of a 14-3-3 antagonist construct, pSCM138, but not its inactive control, pSCM174, as determined by immunofluorescence assay and whole cell voltage clamp recording, respectively. By contrast, coexpression with 14-3-3τ significantly enhanced the surface expression and current density of the Cav2.2 α1B channel. Importantly, we found that between the two previously identified 14-3-3 binding regions at the α1B C terminus, only the proximal region (amino acids 1706–1940), closer to the end of the last transmembrane domain, was retained by the endoplasmic reticulum and facilitated by 14-3-3 to traffic to plasma membrane. Additionally, we showed that the 14-3-3/Cav β subunit coregulated the surface expression of Cav2.2 channels in transfected tsA-201 cells and neurons. Altogether, our findings reveal a previously unidentified regulatory function of 14-3-3 proteins in promoting the surface expression of Cav2.2 α1B channels.     

The differential proliferative response of fetal and adult human skin fibroblasts to TGF-β is retained when cultured in the presence of fibronectin or collagen

Background

Transforming growth factor-β is a multifunctional and pleiotropic factor with decisive role in tissue repair. In this context, we have shown previously that TGF-β inhibits the proliferation of fetal human skin fibroblasts but stimulates that of adult ones. Given the dynamic reciprocity between fibroblasts, growth factors and extracellular matrix (ECM) in tissue homeostasis, the present study aims to investigate the role of fibronectin and collagen in the proliferative effects of TGF-β on fetal and adult cells.

Methods

Human fetal and adult skin fibroblasts were grown either on plastic surfaces or on surfaces coated with fibronectin or collagen type-I, as well as, on top or within three-dimensional matrices of polymerized collagen. Their proliferative response to TGF-β was studied using tritiated thymidine incorporation, while the signaling pathways involved were investigated by Western analysis and using specific kinase inhibitors.

Results

Fetal skin fibroblast-proliferation was inhibited by TGF-β, while that of adult cells was stimulated by this factor, irrespective of the presence of fibronectin or collagen. Both inhibitory and stimulatory activities of TGF-β on the proliferation of fetal and adult fibroblasts, respectively, were abrogated when the Smad pathway was blocked. Moreover, inhibition of fetal fibroblasts was mediated by PKA activation, while stimulation of adult ones was effected through the autocrine activation of FGF receptor and the MEK–ERK pathway.

Conclusions

Fetal and adult human skin fibroblasts retain their differential proliferative response to TGF-β when cultured in the presence of fibronectin and unpolymerized or polymerized collagen.

General significance

The interplay between TGF-β and ECM supports the pleiotropic nature of this growth factor, in concordance with the different repair strategies between fetuses and adults. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Matrix-mediated cell behaviour and properties.     

Caldendrin, a neuron-specific modulator of Cav/1.2 (L-type) Ca2+ channels

EF-hand Ca2+-binding proteins such as calmodulin and CaBP1 have emerged as important regulatory subunits of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Here, we show that caldendrin, a variant of CaBP1 enriched in the brain, interacts with and distinctly modulates Cav1.2 (L-type) voltage-gated Ca2+ channels relative to other Ca2+-binding proteins. Caldendrin binds to the C-terminal IQ-domain of the pore-forming alpha1-subunit of Cav1.2 (alpha(1)1.2) and competitively displaces calmodulin and CaBP1 from this site. Compared with CaBP1, caldendrin causes a more modest suppression of Ca2+-dependent inactivation of Cav1.2 through a different subset of molecular determinants. Caldendrin does not bind to the N-terminal domain of alpha11.2, a site that is critical for functional interactions of the channel with CaBP1. Deletion of the N-terminal domain inhibits CaBP1, but spares caldendrin modulation of Cav1.2 inactivation. In contrast, mutations of the IQ-domain abolish physical and functional interactions of caldendrin and Cav1.2, but do not prevent channel modulation by CaBP1. Using antibodies specific for caldendrin and Cav1.2, we show that caldendrin coimmunoprecipitates with Cav1.2 from the brain and colocalizes with Cav1.2 in somatodendritic puncta of cortical neurons in culture. Our findings reveal functional diversity within related Ca2+-binding proteins, which may enhance the specificity of Ca2+ signaling by Cav1.2 channels in different cellular contexts.