T-type Calcium Channel Assay Service

T-type calcium channels represent a significant area of interest within the field of neuroscience, with ongoing research exploring their involvement in disease processes and potential as a therapeutic target. At Creative Biolabs, we provide T-type calcium channel assays to assist you in understanding the mechanisms of neurological diseases and in the development of new drugs. To learn more about our products and services, submit a project request, or request a quote, please contact us today.

T-type Calcium Channel Assay Related Products

T-type calcium channels, particularly the Cav3.2 subtype, contribute to the communication and excitability of neurons along ascending and descending pain pathways associated with primary afferent neurons, dorsal root ganglia (DRG), and pain-processing neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). DRG neurons, particularly rat DRG neurons, are ideal for studying calcium signaling through T-type calcium channels.

Introduction

Fig.1 Schematic representation of Cav3 pore-forming subunit.^{1, 3}

T-type calcium channels are primarily defined by their α1 subunits, which form the channel pore and allow calcium ions to enter the cell. These channels possess distinctive electrophysiological characteristics, including sensitivity to membrane potential, minimal single-channel conductivity, and resistance to calcium antagonist drugs. Activation of T-type calcium channels typically occurs at low membrane potentials, rendering them indispensable for low-threshold neuronal activity and specific forms of neurotransmission.

T-type Calcium Channel Assays

Case Study: Inhibition of the native T-type and the recombinant Cav3 currents by ionomycin

To determine whether T-type channels are modulated by elevated intracellular Ca²⁺, the Ca²⁺ ionophore ionomycin was used. In sensory neurons that specifically express a high density of T-type channels, extracellular perfusion of 10 µM ionomycin induced a strong decrease in T-type currents.

Fig.2 Ionomycin induces inhibition of neuronal T-type and recombinant Cav3 currents.^{2, 3}

Our T-type calcium channel assay service can accurately detect the activity of T-type calcium channels, helping you gain a deeper understanding of their key role in neuronal excitability, pain perception, and a variety of diseases while providing strong support for your research. We invite you to contact us to discuss your project plans in detail.

References

1. Sharma, Ankush, et al. "Voltage-gated T-type calcium channel modulation by kinases and phosphatases: the old ones, the new ones, and the missing ones." Cells 12.3 (2023): 461.
2. Cazade, Magali, et al. "Activity-dependent regulation of T-type calcium channels by submembrane calcium ions." Elife 6 (2017): e22331.
3. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.