Regulation of neuronal excitation–transcription coupling by Kv2.1-induced clustering of somatic L-type Ca ²⁺ channels at ER-PM junctions

Abstract

Significance In hippocampal neurons, gene expression is triggered by electrical activity and Ca 2+ entry via L-type Cav1.2 channels in a process called excitation–transcription coupling. We identified a domain on the voltage-gated K + channel Kv2.1 that promotes the clustering of L-type Cav1.2 channels at endoplasmic reticulum–plasma membrane junctions in the soma of neurons. Importantly, we discovered by disrupting this domain that the Kv2.1-mediated clustering of Cav1.2 at this somatic microdomain is critical for depolarization-induced excitation–transcription coupling.

Topics & Concepts