Voltage-gated calcium channel (tapeworm)

Voltage-gated calcium channels in tapeworms are multisubunit transmembrane proteins that mediate the influx of Ca²⁺ in response to membrane depolarization, which is critical for neuromuscular activity and other calcium-dependent processes in the parasite. These channels are established therapeutic targets for anthelmintic agents, notably praziquantel, which induces calcium influx, sustained muscle contraction, paralysis, and parasite death. The channel structure includes a pore-forming alpha subunit and modulatory subunits, some of which are unique to platyhelminths and are under investigation for selective drug targeting. There is evidence of gene family diversity in these channels in tapeworms, with some subunit variants possibly playing a role in drug sensitivity.

Other names

Voltage-gated calcium channel alpha subunit (tapeworm)Cav channel (tapeworm)L-type calcium channel (tapeworm)Platyhelminth voltage-gated calcium channel

Praziquantel increases permeability of the calcium channel, causing an influx of calcium ions (Ca²⁺), resulting in muscle contraction, paralysis, and eventual death of the parasite.