Voltage control of Ca2+ permeation through N-type calcium (CaV2.2) channels

Voltage-gated calcium (Ca-V) channels deliver Ca2+ to trigger cellular functions ranging from cardiac muscle contraction to neurotransmitter release. The mechanism by which these channels select for Ca2+ over other cations is thought to involve multiple Ca2+-binding sites within the pore. Although the Ca2+ affinity and cation preference of these sites have been extensively investigated, the effect of voltage on these sites has not received the same attention. We used a neuronal preparation enriched for N-type calcium (Ca(V)2.2) channels to investigate the effect of voltage on Ca2+ flux. We found that the EC50 for Ca2+ permeation increases from 13 mM at 0 mV to 240 mM at 60 mV, indicating that, during permeation, Ca2+ ions sense the electric field. These data were nicely reproduced using a three-binding-site step model. Using roscovitine to slow Ca(V)2.2 channel deactivation, we extended these measurements to voltages <0 mV. Permeation was minimally affected at these hyperpolarized voltages, as was predicted by the model. As an independent test of voltage effects on permeation, we examined the Ca2+-Ba2+ anomalous mole fraction (MF) effect, which was both concentration and voltage dependent. However, the Ca2+-Ba2+ anomalous MF data could not be reproduced unless we added a fourth site to our model. Thus, Ca2+ permeation through Ca(V)2.2 channels may require at least four Ca2+-binding sites. Finally, our results suggest that the high affinity of Ca2+ for the channel helps to enhance Ca2+ influx at depolarized voltages relative to other ions (e.g., Ba2+ or Na+), whereas the absence of voltage effects at negative potentials prevents Ca2+ from becoming a channel blocker. Both effects are needed to maximize Ca2+ influx over the voltages spanned by action potentials.