Cacna1e - calcium channel, voltage-dependent, R type, alpha 1E subunit

This gene encodes an integral membrane protein that belongs to the calcium channel alpha-1 subunits family. Voltage-sensitive calcium channels mediate the entry of calcium ions into excitable cells and are also involved in a variety of calcium-dependent processes. Voltage-dependent calcium channels are multi-subunit complexes, comprised of alpha-1, alpha-2, beta and delta subunits in a 1:1:1:1 ratio. The isoform alpha-1E gives rise to R-type calcium currents and belongs to the high-voltage activated group. Calcium channels containing the alpha-1E subunit may be involved in the modulation of neuronal firing patterns, an important component of information processing. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]