# Calcium channels in retinal photoreceptors

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · 2020 · $317,955

## Abstract

Communication at the first visual synapse is mediated by L-type voltage-gated Cav1.4 Ca2+
channels. These channels are concentrated in the synaptic terminal beneath the ribbon, an
organelle characteristic of synapses employing tonic neurotransmitter release. Mutation of
Cav1.4 alters neurotransmission but can also prevent synaptic development. Such defects can
present as a variety of visual diseases, including congenital stationary night blindness or cone-rod dystrophy. In this proposal, we will test the hypothesis that Cav1.4 (Aim 1) and its auxiliary
subunits, β2 (Aim 2) and α2δ4 (Aim 3), are each essential in various ways for synaptic
development in photoreceptors. This work will be accomplished using a complementary array of
electrophysiological, genetic, biochemical, and cell biological approaches. The outcomes of this
research should have a broad impact by transforming the concept of how Cav1.4 channels
contribute to synapse function and disease-triggered remodeling.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9868311
- **Project number:** 5R01EY026817-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- **Principal Investigator:** Sheila A Baker
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $317,955
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-03-01 → 2021-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9868311

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9868311, Calcium channels in retinal photoreceptors (5R01EY026817-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9868311. Licensed CC0.

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