A genetic approach to the investigation of the regulation and function of calcium channels is expected to increase our understanding of regulation of intracellular calcium ion that is essential for the normal functioning of the brain, muscle and secretion of hormones. At the present time, the mechanisms that control whether these channels are open, allowing calcium to be moved across the membrane, or closed are largely unknown. By selectively destroying one component (beta subunit) of the proteins that make up the structure of the channel the function of the channel can be determined directly from electrophysiological or chemical studies of the movement of calcium into cells. These experiments will be done using cells in culture. Genetically altered mice will be produced that lack this protein. These experiments will extend the results obtained in tissue culture to allow the determination of the role of this protein in normal growth and development of the mouse. Understanding how calcium channels are controlled will provide valuable insight into their role in normal brain and muscle function.
