Protein partners of the calcium channel β subunit highlight new cellular functions

Abstract

Calcium plays a key role in cell signalling by its intervention in a wide range of physiological processes. Its entry into cells occurs mainly via voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC), which are found not only in the plasma membrane of excitable cells but also in cells insensitive to electrical signals. VGCC are composed of different subunits, α1, β, α2δ and γ, among which the cytosolic β subunit (Cavβ) controls the trafficking of the channel to the plasma membrane, its regulation and its gating properties. For many years, these were the main functions associated with Cavβ. However, a growing number of proteins have been found to interact with Cavβ, emphasizing the multifunctional role of this versatile protein. Interestingly, some of the newly assigned functions of Cavβ are independent of its role in the regulation of VGCC, and thus further increase its functional roles. Based on the identity of Cavβ protein partners, this review emphasizes the diverse cellular functions of Cavβ and summarizes both past findings as well as recent progress in the understanding of VGCC.

Keywords: calcium channels; gene expression and regulation; voltage-gated channels.