The major goal of this proposal is to build on our several recent unexpected findings to understand how extracellular calcium regulates the basal excitability of neurons. Under pathophysiological conditions such as hypocalcemia and epilepsy, concentration of extracellular calcium can drop significantly in the brain. Extracellular calcium concentration can also change under physiological conditions in brain regions with high neuronal density and in microdomains such as the synaptic cleft. A decrease in extracellular calcium concentration usually excites neurons. The molecular mechanisms underlying the control by extracellular calcium are poorly understood, in contrast with the extensively investigated intracellular roles of calcium as a second messenger. We propose that a major mechanism by which extracellular calcium regulates excitability is through the NALCN cation channel we discovered. Using biochemical, electrophysiology and mouse genetics approaches, we will 1) determine the relative contribution of NALCN to the neuronal excitation by extracellular calcium in several brain regions;2) define the structural requirements of the protein in the calcium sensitivity;and 3) uncover the signals that regulate the channel complex. Results from these studies will help us understand how body calcium regulates neuronal excitability at the molecular level under physiological and pathophysiological conditions such as paralysis, seizure and epilepsy.

Public Health Relevance

This proposal studies how extracellular calcium controls the excitability of the nervous system. Results from these studies will help understand neuronal excitabilities in physiological and pathophysiological conditions such as paralysis, seizure and epilepsy

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01NS074257-01
Application #
8083357
Study Section
Neurotransporters, Receptors, and Calcium Signaling Study Section (NTRC)
Program Officer
Silberberg, Shai D
Project Start
2011-02-01
Project End
2016-01-31
Budget Start
2011-02-01
Budget End
2012-01-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$350,000
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pennsylvania
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
042250712
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19104
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