Calcium channels regulate neuronal function, gene expression, and development

Calcium ions (Ca²⁺) play important roles as secondary messengers in the body. The intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration is increased via 2 mechanisms: (1) is an influx of external Ca²⁺ and (2) Ca ²⁺ release from the endoplasmic reticulum. Ca²⁺ influx across the plasma membrane involves 3 main types of channels: voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs), ligand-gated calcium channels, and transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. VDCCs are activated by depolarization of membrane potential. VDDC-mediated Ca²⁺ signaling is essential for neurotransmitter release, synaptic plasticity, and gene transcription. The TRP family comprises at least 28 cation channels, most of which are permeable to Ca²⁺. TRP channels function as cellular sensors and are activated by various chemical and physical stimuli. In the nervous system, Ca²⁺ signaling via TRP channels is important for neuronal growth, development, survival, and cell death. In this review, we discuss how Ca²⁺ signaling via VDCCs and TRP channels mediates various neuronal processes.