Voltage-sensitive calcium channel that gives rise to T-type calcium currents. T-type calcium channels belong to the 'low-voltage activated (LVA)' group. A particularity of this type of channel is an opening at quite negative potentials, and a voltage-dependent inactivation ( ). T-type channels serve pacemaking functions in both central neurons and cardiac nodal cells and support calcium signaling in secretory cells and vascular smooth muscle (Probable). They may also be involved in the modulation of firing patterns of neurons . In the adrenal zona glomerulosa, participates in the signaling pathway leading to aldosterone production in response to either AGT/angiotensin II, or hyperkalemia (, ).
Subcellular locations: Cell membrane
Interaction with STAC increases expression at the cell membrane.
Expressed in the adrenal glomerulosa (at protein level) (, ). In nonneuronal tissues, the highest expression levels are found in the kidney, liver, and heart. In the brain, most abundant in the amygdala, caudate nucleus, and putamen (, ). In the heart, expressed in blood vessels.
Expressed in testis, primarily in the germ cells, but not in other portions of the reproductive tract, such as ductus deferens . Expressed in the brain .
Expressed in testis, primarily in the germ cells, but not in other portions of the reproductive tract, such as ductus deferens . Not expressed in the brain .