T-type calcium channel subunit alpha-1H (commonly referred to as CaV3.2) (CaV3.2)

The T-type calcium channel Cav3.2 subunit is a low-voltage activated, voltage-dependent calcium channel encoded by the CACNA1H gene. It comprises a pore-forming α1H subunit and serves as the principal molecular entity responsible for transient, low-threshold calcium currents in excitable cells, including neurons and cardiac pacemaker cells. Cav3.2 regulates the initiation and propagation of electrical signals, contributing to neuronal firing, neurotransmitter release, pacemaker activity, and sleep-wake oscillations. Cav3.2 is considered a promising therapeutic target for epilepsy and pain by virtue of its pivotal role in cellular excitability, with structure-based drug discovery ongoing for selective modulators. Dysfunction of Cav3.2 is implicated in neurological, cardiac, and sensory disorders, although current pharmacological agents have significant limitations, including selectivity and safety concerns.

Other names

T-type calcium channel α1H subunitCalcium channel, voltage-dependent, T type, alpha 1H subunitCACNA1H (gene symbol for human CaV3.2)

Inhibition/blockade of the channel pore, preventing Ca²⁺ influx; State-dependent modulation (some ligands preferentially bind when the channel is open/inactive); Modulation of channel gating via phosphorylation or protein-protein interactions; Potential indirect modulation by G protein-coupled receptor signaling