Voltage-dependent R-type calcium channel subunit alpha-1E (CACNA1E (also known as Cav2.3))

Voltage-dependent R-type calcium channel subunit alpha‑1E is an integral membrane protein forming the pore component of R-type voltage-gated calcium channels. Encoded by the *CACNA1E* gene (Cav2.3), it mediates high-threshold Ca²⁺ entry into neurons upon depolarization. This influx regulates diverse processes including neurotransmitter release, gene expression, cell motility, division, and death. The alpha‑1E subunit determines most biophysical properties of these channels—including their activation threshold and kinetics—and is highly expressed throughout key brain regions such as cortex and hippocampus. While less understood than other VGCCs like L-, N-, P/Q-types, emerging evidence links it to modulation of thalamocortical activity and synaptic transmission relevant for information processing in neural circuits[1][3][5].

Other names

Calcium channel, voltage-dependent, R type, alpha 1E subunitCav2.3CACNA1E

Drugs or molecules that interact with this protein typically act as: Channel blockers/modulators—by inhibiting the flow of Ca²⁺ through the pore formed by the alpha‑1E subunit. Modulators of neuronal excitability via alteration of action potential firing patterns.