What is the Role of CACNA1S in Normal Cellular Function?
The L-type calcium channels are crucial for the entry of calcium ions into cells. The CACNA1S gene product, the alpha-1S subunit, forms the pore through which calcium ions pass. In skeletal muscle, these channels are vital for excitation-contraction coupling, a process where an electrical signal leads to muscle contraction. Beyond muscle, calcium ions influence numerous cellular activities, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, making calcium homeostasis a potential factor in cancer development.
