Single channel measurements demonstrate the voltage dependence of permeation through N-type and L-type CaV channels

The delivery of Ca²⁺ into cells by Ca_V channels provides the trigger for many cellular actions, such as cardiac muscle contraction and neurotransmitter release. Thus, a full understanding of Ca²⁺ permeation through these channels is critical. Using whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings, we recently demonstrated that voltage modulates the apparent affinity of N-type (Ca_V2.2) channels for permeating Ca²⁺ and Ba²⁺ ions. While we took many steps to ensure the high fidelity of our recordings, problems can occur when Ca_V currents become large and fast, or when currents run down. Thus, we use here single channel recordings to further test the hypothesis that permeating ions interact with N-type channels in a voltage-dependent manner. We also examined L-type (Ca_V1.2) channels to determine if these channels also exhibit voltage-dependent permeation. Like our whole-cell data, we find that voltage modulates N-channel affinity for Ba²⁺ at voltages > 0 mV, but has little or no effect at voltages < 0 mV. Furthermore, we demonstrate that permeation through L-channel is also modulated by voltage. Thus, voltage-dependence may be a common feature of divalent cation permeation through Ca_V1 and Ca_V2 channels (i.e. high-voltage activated Ca_V channels). The voltage dependence of Ca_V1 channel permeation is likely a mechanism mediating sustained Ca²⁺ influx during the plateau phase of the cardiac action potential.     

Selective pressure modulation of synaptic voltage‐dependent calcium channels—involvement in HPNS mechanism

Exposure to hyperbaric pressure (HP) exceeding 100 msw (1.1 MPa) is known to cause a constellation of motor and cognitive impairments named high‐pressure neurological syndrome (HPNS), considered to be the result of synaptic transmission alteration. Long periods of repetitive HP exposure could be an occupational risk for professional deep‐sea divers. Previous studies have indicated the modulation of presynaptic Ca²⁺ currents based on synaptic activity modified by HP. We have recently demonstrated that currents in genetically identified cellular voltage‐dependent Ca²⁺ channels (VDCCs), Ca_V1.2 and Ca_V3.2 are selectively affected by HP. This work further elucidates the HPNS mechanism by examining HP effect on Ca²⁺ currents in neuronal VDCCs, Ca_V2.2 and Ca_V2.1, which are prevalent in presynaptic terminals, expressed in Xenopus oocytes. HP augmented the Ca_V2.2 current amplitude, much less so in a channel variation containing an additional modulatory subunit, and had almost no effect on the Ca_V2.1 currents. HP differentially affected the channels' kinetics. It is, therefore, suggested that HPNS signs and symptoms arise, at least in part, from pressure modulation of various VDCCs.     

Orientation of palmitoylated CaVβ2a relative to CaV2.2 is critical for slow pathway modulation of N-type Ca2+ current by tachykinin receptor activation

The G_q-coupled tachykinin receptor (neurokinin-1 receptor [NK-1R]) modulates N-type Ca²⁺ channel (Ca_V2.2 or N channel) activity at two distinct sites by a pathway involving a lipid metabolite, most likely arachidonic acid (AA). In another study published in this issue (Heneghan et al. 2009. J. Gen Physiol. doi:10.1085/jgp.200910203), we found that the form of modulation observed depends on which Ca_Vβ is coexpressed with Ca_V2.2. When palmitoylated Ca_Vβ2a is coexpressed, activation of NK-1Rs by substance P (SP) enhances N current. In contrast, when Ca_Vβ3 is coexpressed, SP inhibits N current. However, exogenously applied palmitic acid minimizes this inhibition. These findings suggested that the palmitoyl groups of Ca_Vβ2a may occupy an inhibitory site on Ca_V2.2 or prevent AA from interacting with that site, thereby minimizing inhibition. If so, changing the orientation of Ca_Vβ2a relative to Ca_V2.2 may displace the palmitoyl groups and prevent them from antagonizing AA''s actions, thereby allowing inhibition even in the presence of Ca_Vβ2a. In this study, we tested this hypothesis by deleting one (Bdel1) or two (Bdel2) amino acids proximal to the α interacting domain (AID) of Ca_V2.2''s I–II linker. Ca_Vβs bind tightly to the AID, whereas the rigid region proximal to the AID is thought to couple Ca_Vβ''s movements to Ca_V2.2 gating. Although Bdel1/β2a currents exhibited more variable enhancement by SP, Bdel2/β2a current enhancement was lost at all voltages. Instead, inhibition was observed that matched the profile of N-current inhibition from Ca_V2.2 coexpressed with Ca_Vβ3. Moreover, adding back exogenous palmitic acid minimized inhibition of Bdel2/β2a currents, suggesting that when palmitoylated Ca_Vβ2a is sufficiently displaced, endogenously released AA can bind to the inhibitory site. These findings support our previous hypothesis that Ca_Vβ2a''s palmitoyl groups directly interact with an inhibitory site on Ca_V2.2 to block N-current inhibition by SP.     

Gating charges per channel of CaV2.2 channels are modified by G protein activation in rat sympathetic neurons

It has been suggested that voltage-dependent G protein modulation of Ca_V2.2 channels is carried out at closed states of the channel. Our purpose was to estimate the number of gating charges of Ca_V2.2 channel in control and G protein-modulated conditions. By using a Cole-Moore protocol we observed a significant delay in Ca_V2.2 channel activation according to a transit of the channel through a series of closed states before channel opening. If G protein voltage-dependent modulation were carried out at these closed states, then we would have expected a greater Cole-Moore lag in the presence of a neurotransmitter. This prediction was confirmed for noradrenaline, while no change was observed in the presence of angiotensin II, a voltage-insensitive G protein modulator. We used the limiting slope method for calculation of the gating charge per channel. Effective charge z was 6.32 ± 0.65 for Ca_V2.2 channels in unregulated conditions, while GTPγS reduced elementary charge by ∼4 e₀. Accordingly, increased concentration of noradrenaline induced a gradual decrease on z, indicating that this decrement was due to a G protein voltage-sensitive modulation. This paper shows for the first time a significant and reversible decrease in charge transfer of Ca_V2.2 channels under G protein modulation, which might depend on the activated G protein inhibitory pathway.     

Bipartite syntaxin 1A interactions mediate CaV2.2 calcium channel regulation

Functional interactions between syntaxin 1A and Ca_V2 calcium channels are critical for fast neurotransmitter release in the mammalian brain, and coexpression of syntaxin 1A with these channels not only regulates channel availability, but also promotes G-protein inhibition. Both the syntaxin 1A C-terminal H3 domain, and N-terminal Ha domain have been shown to interact with the Ca_V2.2 channel synprint region, suggesting a bipartite model of functional interaction, however the molecular determinants of this interaction have not been closely investigated. We used in vitro binding assays to assess interactions of syntaxin 1A truncation mutants with Ca_V2.2 synprint and Ca_V2.3 II–III linker regions. We identified two distinct interactions between the Ca_V2.2 synprint region and syntaxin 1A: the first between C-terminal H3c domain of syntaxin 1A and residues 822–872 of Ca_V2.2; and the second between the N-terminal 10 residues of the syntaxin 1A Ha region and residues 718–771 of Ca_V2.2. The N-terminal syntaxin 1A fragment also interacted with the Ca_V2.3 II–III linker. We then performed whole cell patch clamp recordings to test the effects of a putative interacting syntaxin 1A N-terminus peptide with Ca_V2.2 and Ca_V2.3 channels in a recombinant expression system. A YFP-tagged peptide corresponding to the N-terminal 10 residues of the syntaxin 1A Ha domain was sufficient to allosterically inhibit both Ca_V2.2 and Ca_V2.3 channel function but had no effect on G-protein mediated inhibition. Our results support a model of bipartite functional interactions between syntaxin 1A and Ca_V2.2 channels and add accuracy to the two putative interacting domains, consistent with previous studies. Furthermore, we highlight the syntaxin 1A N-terminus as the minimal determinant for functional regulation of Ca_V2.2 and Ca_V2.3 channels.     

Synthesis and evaluation of aminobenzothiazoles as blockers of N- and T-type calcium channels

Both N- and T-type calcium ion channels have been implicated in pain transmission and the N-type channel is a well-validated target for the treatment of neuropathic pain. An SAR investigation of a series of substituted aminobenzothiazoles identified a subset of five compounds with comparable activity to the positive control Z160 in a FLIPR-based intracellular calcium response assay measuring potency at both Ca_V2.2 and Ca_V3.2 channels. These compounds may form the basis for the development of drug leads and tool compounds for assessing in vivo effects of variable modulation of Ca_V2.2 and Ca_V3.2 channels.     

Swapping the I-II intracellular linker between L-type CaV1.2 and R-type CaV2.3 high-voltage gated calcium channels exchanges activation attributes

Calcium entry through voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) initiates diverse cellular functions. VGCC pore-forming subunit (Ca_Vα1) contains four homology repeats, each encompassing a voltage sensor and a pore domain. Three main classes of Ca_Vα1 subunits have been described, Ca_V1, Ca_V2 and Ca_V3 that differ in their voltage-dependence of activation and in the extent in which this process is modulated by the auxiliary β-subunit (Ca_Vβ). Association of Ca_Vβ induces a coil-to-helix conformation of the I-II intracellular linker joining the first and second repeat of CaVα1 that is thought to be crucial for modulation of channel function. When expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes in the absence of Ca_Vβ the voltage to reach 50% activation (V_0.5) for Ca_V1.2 and Ca_V2.3 differs by more than 60 mV and the channel current-carrying capacity by more than thirty-fold. Here we report that the difference in V_0.5 is reduced to about 30 mV and the current-carrying capacity becomes virtually identical when the I-II linkers of Ca_V1.2 and Ca_V2.3 are swapped. Co-expression with Ca_Vβ increases the current-carrying capacity of chimeric channels by the same extent, while the difference in V_0.5 with respect to their corresponding parental channels vanishes. Our findings indicate that Ca_Vβ modulatory potency is determined by both, the nature of the I-II linker and the pore-forming subunit background. Moreover, they demonstrate that the I-II linker encodes self-reliant molecular determinants for channel activation and suggest that besides to the secondary structure adopted by this segment upon Ca_Vβ association, its chemical nature is as well relevant.     

The MAP1B-LC1/UBE2L3 complex catalyzes degradation of cell surface CaV2.2 channels

We reported recently a new mechanism by which the neuronal N-type Ca²⁺ (Ca_V2.2) channel expression may be regulated by ubiquitination. This mechanism involves the interaction between the channel and the light chain (LC1) of the microtubule associated protein B (MAP1B). We also showed that MAP1B-LC1 could interact with the ubiquitin-conjugating E2 enzyme UBE2L3 and that the ubiquitination/degradation mechanism triggered by MAP1B-LC1 could be prevented by inhibiting the ubiquitin-proteasome proteolytic pathway. We now report that MAP1B-LC1 can interact with the 2 main variants of the Ca_V2.2 channels (Ca_V2.2e37a and Ca_V2.2e37b) and that the MAP1B-LC1-mediated regulation most likely involves an internalization of the channels via a dynamin and clathrin-dependent pathway. In addition, here we propose that this novel mechanism of Ca_V channel regulation might be conserved among N-type and P/Q-type channels.     

The CaVβ Subunit Protects the I-II Loop of the Voltage-gated Calcium Channel CaV2.2 from Proteasomal Degradation but Not Oligoubiquitination

Ca_Vβ subunits interact with the voltage-gated calcium channel Ca_V2.2 on a site in the intracellular loop between domains I and II (the I-II loop). This interaction influences the biophysical properties of the channel and leads to an increase in its trafficking to the plasma membrane. We have shown previously that a mutant Ca_V2.2 channel that is unable to bind Ca_Vβ subunits (Ca_V2.2 W391A) was rapidly degraded (Waithe, D., Ferron, L., Page, K. M., Chaggar, K., and Dolphin, A. C. (2011) J. Biol. Chem. 286, 9598–9611). Here we show that, in the absence of Ca_Vβ subunits, a construct consisting of the I-II loop of Ca_V2.2 was directly ubiquitinated and degraded by the proteasome system. Ubiquitination could be prevented by mutation of all 12 lysine residues in the I-II loop to arginines. Including a palmitoylation motif at the N terminus of Ca_V2.2 I-II loop was insufficient to target it to the plasma membrane in the absence of Ca_Vβ subunits even when proteasomal degradation was inhibited with MG132 or ubiquitination was prevented by the lysine-to-arginine mutations. In the presence of Ca_Vβ subunit, the palmitoylated Ca_V2.2 I-II loop was protected from degradation, although oligoubiquitination could still occur, and was efficiently trafficked to the plasma membrane. We propose that targeting to the plasma membrane requires a conformational change in the I-II loop that is induced by binding of the Ca_Vβ subunit.     

The MAP1B-LC1/UBE2L3 complex catalyzes degradation of cell surface CaV2.2 channels

We reported recently a new mechanism by which the neuronal N-type Ca²⁺ (Ca_V2.2) channel expression may be regulated by ubiquitination. This mechanism involves the interaction between the channel and the light chain (LC1) of the microtubule associated protein B (MAP1B). We also showed that MAP1B-LC1 could interact with the ubiquitin-conjugating E2 enzyme UBE2L3 and that the ubiquitination/degradation mechanism triggered by MAP1B-LC1 could be prevented by inhibiting the ubiquitin-proteasome proteolytic pathway. We now report that MAP1B-LC1 can interact with the 2 main variants of the Ca_V2.2 channels (Ca_V2.2e37a and Ca_V2.2e37b) and that the MAP1B-LC1-mediated regulation most likely involves an internalization of the channels via a dynamin and clathrin-dependent pathway. In addition, here we propose that this novel mechanism of Ca_V channel regulation might be conserved among N-type and P/Q-type channels.     

Interaction of T-type calcium channel CaV3.3 with the β-subunit

The β-subunit of high-voltage-activated (HVA) calcium channels is essential for the regulation of expression and gating. On the other hand, various reports have suggested that β subunits play no role in the regulation of low-voltage-activated T-type channels. In addition there has been no clear demonstration of a physical interaction between the α-subunit of T-type channel with β-subunit. In this study, we systematically investigated the interaction between Ca_Vα and Ca_Vβ. The four Ca_Vβ isoforms were expressed in a bacterial system and purified into homogeneity, whereas the ten types of Ca_Vα alpha interaction domain (AID) peptides were chemically synthesized. All possible combinations of Ca_Vα and Ca_Vβ were then tested for by in vitro immunoassays. We describe here the identification of a new interaction between Ca_V3.3 and Ca_Vβ proteins. This interaction is of low affinity compared to that between the AID of the HVA α-subunit and the alpha-binding pocket (ABP) site of the β-subunit. The AID peptide of HVA channel exerted no effect on the Ca_V3.3-Ca_Vβ interaction, thus demonstrating that another site not in the ABP of Ca_Vβ protein played a role in binding with Ca_V3.3. This is the first demonstration of an α-β subunit interaction in a T-type calcium channel.     

The HOOK region of β subunits controls gating of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels by electrostatically interacting with plasma membrane

Recently, we showed that the HOOK region of the β2 subunit electrostatically interacts with the plasma membrane and regulates the current inactivation and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP₂) sensitivity of voltage-gated Ca²⁺ (Ca_V) 2.2 channels. Here, we report that voltage-dependent gating and current density of the Ca_V2.2 channels are also regulated by the HOOK region of the β2 subunit. The HOOK region can be divided into 3 domains: S (polyserine), A (polyacidic), and B (polybasic). We found that the A domain shifted the voltage-dependent inactivation and activation of Ca_V2.2 channels to more hyperpolarized and depolarized voltages, respectively, whereas the B domain evoked these responses in the opposite directions. In addition, the A domain decreased the current density of the Ca_V2.2 channels, while the B domain increased it. Together, our data demonstrate that the flexible HOOK region of the β2 subunit plays an important role in determining the overall Ca_V channel gating properties.     

Voltage control of Ca2+ permeation through N-type calcium (CaV2.2) channels

Voltage-gated calcium (Ca_V) channels deliver Ca²⁺ to trigger cellular functions ranging from cardiac muscle contraction to neurotransmitter release. The mechanism by which these channels select for Ca²⁺ over other cations is thought to involve multiple Ca²⁺-binding sites within the pore. Although the Ca²⁺ affinity and cation preference of these sites have been extensively investigated, the effect of voltage on these sites has not received the same attention. We used a neuronal preparation enriched for N-type calcium (Ca_V2.2) channels to investigate the effect of voltage on Ca²⁺ flux. We found that the EC₅₀ for Ca²⁺ permeation increases from 13 mM at 0 mV to 240 mM at 60 mV, indicating that, during permeation, Ca²⁺ ions sense the electric field. These data were nicely reproduced using a three-binding-site step model. Using roscovitine to slow Ca_V2.2 channel deactivation, we extended these measurements to voltages <0 mV. Permeation was minimally affected at these hyperpolarized voltages, as was predicted by the model. As an independent test of voltage effects on permeation, we examined the Ca²⁺-Ba²⁺ anomalous mole fraction (MF) effect, which was both concentration and voltage dependent. However, the Ca²⁺-Ba²⁺ anomalous MF data could not be reproduced unless we added a fourth site to our model. Thus, Ca²⁺ permeation through Ca_V2.2 channels may require at least four Ca²⁺-binding sites. Finally, our results suggest that the high affinity of Ca²⁺ for the channel helps to enhance Ca²⁺ influx at depolarized voltages relative to other ions (e.g., Ba²⁺ or Na⁺), whereas the absence of voltage effects at negative potentials prevents Ca²⁺ from becoming a channel blocker. Both effects are needed to maximize Ca²⁺ influx over the voltages spanned by action potentials.     

Conserved biophysical features of the CaV2 presynaptic Ca2+ channel homologue from the early-diverging animal Trichoplax adhaerens

The dominant role of Ca_V2 voltage-gated calcium channels for driving neurotransmitter release is broadly conserved. Given the overlapping functional properties of Ca_V2 and Ca_V1 channels, and less so Ca_V3 channels, it is unclear why there have not been major shifts toward dependence on other Ca_V channels for synaptic transmission. Here, we provide a structural and functional profile of the Ca_V2 channel cloned from the early-diverging animal Trichoplax adhaerens, which lacks a nervous system but possesses single gene homologues for Ca_V1–Ca_V3 channels. Remarkably, the highly divergent channel possesses similar features as human Ca_V2.1 and other Ca_V2 channels, including high voltage–activated currents that are larger in external Ba²⁺ than in Ca²⁺; voltage-dependent kinetics of activation, inactivation, and deactivation; and bimodal recovery from inactivation. Altogether, the functional profile of Trichoplax Ca_V2 suggests that the core features of presynaptic Ca_V2 channels were established early during animal evolution, after Ca_V1 and Ca_V2 channels emerged via proposed gene duplication from an ancestral Ca_V1/2 type channel. The Trichoplax channel was relatively insensitive to mammalian Ca_V2 channel blockers ω-agatoxin-IVA and ω-conotoxin-GVIA and to metal cation blockers Cd²⁺ and Ni²⁺. Also absent was the capacity for voltage-dependent G-protein inhibition by co-expressed Trichoplax Gβγ subunits, which nevertheless inhibited the human Ca_V2.1 channel, suggesting that this modulatory capacity evolved via changes in channel sequence/structure, and not G proteins. Last, the Trichoplax channel was immunolocalized in cells that express an endomorphin-like peptide implicated in cell signaling and locomotive behavior and other likely secretory cells, suggesting contributions to regulated exocytosis.     

The function of mitochondria in presynaptic development at the neuromuscular junction

Mitochondria with high membrane potential (ΔΨ_m) are enriched in the presynaptic nerve terminal at vertebrate neuromuscular junctions, but the exact function of these localized synaptic mitochondria remains unclear. Here, we investigated the correlation between mitochondrial ΔΨ_m and the development of synaptic specializations. Using mitochondrial ΔΨ_m-sensitive probe JC-1, we found that ΔΨ_m in Xenopus spinal neurons could be reversibly elevated by creatine and suppressed by FCCP. Along naïve neurites, preexisting synaptic vesicle (SV) clusters were positively correlated with mitochondrial ΔΨ_m, suggesting a potential regulatory role of mitochondrial activity in synaptogenesis. Indicating a specific role of mitochondrial activity in presynaptic development, mitochondrial ATP synthase inhibitor oligomycin, but not mitochondrial Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger inhibitor CGP-37157, inhibited the clustering of SVs induced by growth factor–coated beads. Local F-actin assembly induced along spinal neurites by beads was suppressed by FCCP or oligomycin. Our results suggest that a key role of presynaptic mitochondria is to provide ATP for the assembly of actin cytoskeleton involved in the assembly of the presynaptic specialization including the clustering of SVs and mitochondria themselves.     

Zebrafish CaV2.1 Calcium Channels Are Tailored for Fast Synchronous Neuromuscular Transmission

The Ca_V2.2 (N-type) and Ca_V2.1 (P/Q-type) voltage-dependent calcium channels are prevalent throughout the nervous system where they mediate synaptic transmission, but the basis for the selective presence at individual synapses still remains an open question. The Ca_V2.1 channels have been proposed to respond more effectively to brief action potentials (APs), an idea supported by computational modeling. However, the side-by-side comparison of Ca_V2.1 and Ca_V2.2 kinetics in intact neurons failed to reveal differences. As an alternative means for direct functional comparison we expressed zebrafish Ca_V2.1 and Ca_V2.2 α-subunits, along with their accessory subunits, in HEK293 cells. HEK cells lack calcium currents, thereby circumventing the need for pharmacological inhibition of mixed calcium channel isoforms present in neurons. HEK cells also have a simplified morphology compared to neurons, which improves voltage control. Our measurements revealed faster kinetics and shallower voltage-dependence of activation and deactivation for Ca_V2.1. Additionally, recordings of calcium current in response to a command waveform based on the motorneuron AP show, directly, more effective activation of Ca_V2.1. Analysis of calcium currents associated with the AP waveform indicate an approximately fourfold greater open probability (P_O) for Ca_V2.1. The efficient activation of Ca_V2.1 channels during APs may contribute to the highly reliable transmission at zebrafish neuromuscular junctions.     

Impact of gating modulation in CaV1.3 L-type calcium channels

Ca_V1.3 L-type channels control inner hair cell (IHC) sensory and sinoatrial node (SAN) function, and excitability in central neurons by means of their low-voltage activation and inactivation properties. In SAN cells Ca_V1.3 inward calcium current (I_Ca) inactivates rapidly whereas in IHCs inactivation is slow. A candidate suggested in slowing Ca_V1.3 channel inactivation is the presynaptically located ribbon-synapse protein RIM that is expressed in immature IHCs in presynaptic compartments also expressing Ca_V1.3 channels. Ca_V1.3 channel gating is also modulated by an intramolecular C-terminal mechanism. This mechanism was elicited during analysis of human C-terminal splice variants that differ in the length of their C-terminus and that modulates the channel’s negative activation range and slows calcium-dependent inactivation.     

Ca2+-independent Activation of Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase II Bound to the C-terminal Domain of CaV2.1 Calcium Channels

Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) forms a major component of the postsynaptic density where its functions in synaptic plasticity are well established, but its presynaptic actions are poorly defined. Here we show that CaMKII binds directly to the C-terminal domain of Ca_V2.1 channels. Binding is enhanced by autophosphorylation, and the kinase-channel signaling complex persists after dephosphorylation and removal of the Ca²⁺/CaM stimulus. Autophosphorylated CaMKII can bind the Ca_V2.1 channel and synapsin-1 simultaneously. CaMKII binding to Ca_V2.1 channels induces Ca²⁺-independent activity of the kinase, which phosphorylates the enzyme itself as well as the neuronal substrate synapsin-1. Facilitation and inactivation of Ca_V2.1 channels by binding of Ca²⁺/CaM mediates short term synaptic plasticity in transfected superior cervical ganglion neurons, and these regulatory effects are prevented by a competing peptide and the endogenous brain inhibitor CaMKIIN, which blocks binding of CaMKII to Ca_V2.1 channels. These results define the functional properties of a signaling complex of CaMKII and Ca_V2.1 channels in which both binding partners are persistently activated by their association, and they further suggest that this complex is important in presynaptic terminals in regulating protein phosphorylation and short term synaptic plasticity.     

Properties of Na+ currents conducted by a skeletal muscle L-type Ca2+ channel pore mutant (SkEIIIK)

Four glutamate residues residing at corresponding positions within the four conserved membrane-spanning repeats of L-type Ca²⁺ channels are important structural determinants for the passage of Ca²⁺ across the selectivity filter. Mutation of the critical glutamate in Repeat III in the a_1S subunit of the skeletal L-type channel (Ca_v1.1) to lysine virtually eliminates passage of Ca²⁺ during step depolarizations. In this study, we examined the ability of this mutant Ca_v1.1 channel (SkEIIIK) to conduct inward Na⁺ current. When 150 mM Na⁺ was present as the sole monovalent cation in the bath solution, dysgenic (Ca_v1.1 null) myotubes expressing SkEIIIK displayed slowly-activating, non-inactivating, nifedipine-sensitive inward currents with a reversal potential (45.6 ± 2.5 mV) near that expected for Na⁺. Ca²⁺ block of SkEIIIK-mediated Na⁺ current was revealed by the substantial enhancement of Na⁺ current amplitude after reduction of Ca²⁺ in the external recording solution from 10 mM to near physiological 1 mM. Inward SkEIIIK-mediated currents were potentiated by either ±Bay K 8644 (10 mM) or 200-ms depolarizing prepulses to +90 mV. In contrast, outward monovalent currents were reduced by ±Bay K 8644 and were unaffected by strong depolarization, indicating a preferential potentiation of inward Na⁺ currents through the mutant Ca_v1.1 channel. Taken together, our results show that SkEIIIK functions as a non-inactivating, junctionally-targeted Na⁺ channel when Na⁺ is the sole monvalent cation present and urge caution when interpreting the impact of mutations designed to ablate Ca²⁺ permeability mediated by Ca_V channels on physiological processes that extend beyond channel gating and permeability.