# Role of a-actinin in Cav1.2 Function

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · 2020 · $501,621

## Abstract

Role of α-actinin in Cav1.2 Function
Abstract
L-type Ca2+ channels are tightly coupled to gene transcription, control neuronal excitability, and mediate
multiple forms of synaptic plasticity. Yet its cell biology and regulation is remarkably poorly understood. Our
long term interest is to determine the molecular mechanisms that regulate the L-type channel Cav1.2 (e.g.,
Science 293, 98; Science 293, 2205; PNAS 103, 7500; Neuron 78, 483), which is the most prevalent L-type
channel in brain and heart. We recently found that α-actinin binds directly to the IQ motif of the central pore-
forming Cav1.2 subunit α11.2 and augments its surface localization (Neuron 78, 483). We now identify three
point mutations in the IQ motif that individually impair α-actinin binding. Our preliminary electrophysiological
and surface labeling data suggest that impairing α-actinin binding to the IQ motif decreases surface
expression and, unexpectedly, also channel open probability (Po). Aim 1 is the very first comprehensive
analysis of trafficking kinetics of WT and point mutated Cav1.2 through the ER-Golgi-TGN secretory pathway
and endocytic recycling and degradation pathway by surface biotinylation, N-glycosylation analysis and
colocalization with respective markers like BiP and Rab5. Aim 2 is to determine and compare current density,
gating currents, and single channel currents to test whether the α-actinin binding - deficient point mutations of
Cav1.2 have decreased Po. Our structural analysis is guiding charge reversal experiments for unequivocal (!)
assignment of deficits in surface expression and Po in the Cav1.2 mutants to loss of α-actinin binding. We
found that Ca2+ influx specifically through Cav1.2 leads to displacement of α-actinin from the IQ motif by
Ca2+/calmodulin and in parallel to run down of Cav1.2 via endocytosis and reduction in Po. Aim 3 is to unravel
the interplay between α-actinin and calmodulin at the IQ motif to precisely define the molecular mechanisms of
how Ca2+/calmodulin displaces α-actinin and leads to endocytosis and run down of Cav1.2. Aim 4 will test first
the role of α-actinin in neuronal Cav1.2 functions including Ca2+ influx into spines and regulation of gene
expression via NFAT and then why α-actinin association and, fittingly, surface expression of Cav1.2 is
increased in rodent models of senility and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Increased Cav1.2 channel activity
contributes to senile symptoms and AD (e.g., Science 272, 1017; Science 243, 809). Cav1.2 also plays an
important role in PTSD and dysregulation of Cav1.2 leads to autism spectrum disorders (Cell 119, 19-31). Thus
our work on the functional interplay of Cav1.2 with α-actinin and calmodulin is of high significance for
understanding and ultimately treatment of these brain diseases. On a broader perspective it is of physiological
importance as it will define important aspects that govern the functional availability of Cav1.2 with its manifold
functions in neurons and beyond inclu...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9924426
- **Project number:** 5R01AG055357-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- **Principal Investigator:** JOHANNES W HELL
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $501,621
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-08-15 → 2022-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9924426

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9924426, Role of a-actinin in Cav1.2 Function (5R01AG055357-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9924426. Licensed CC0.

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