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Voltage-gated Ca 2+ channels are typically integrated in a complex network of protein-protein-interactions, also referred to as Ca 2+ channel nanodomains. Amongst the neuronal Ca V 2 channel family, Ca V 2.2 is of particular importance due to its general role for signal transmission from the periphery to the central nervous system, but also due to its significance for pain perception. Thus, Ca V 2.2 is an ideal target candidate to search for pharmacological inhibitors but also for novel modulatory interactors. In this review we summarize the last years findings of our intense screenings and characterization of the six Ca V 2.2 interaction partners, tetraspanin-13 (TSPAN-13), reticulon 1 (RTN1), member 1 of solute carrier family 38 (SLC38), prostaglandin D2 synthase (PTGDS), transmembrane protein 223 (TMEM223), and transmembrane BAX inhibitor motif 3 (Grina/TMBIM3) containing protein. Each protein shows a unique way of channel modulation as shown by extensive electrophysiological studies. Amongst the newly identified interactors, Grina/TMBIM3 is most striking due to its modulatory effect which is rather comparable to G-protein regulation.

Contributions of voltage sensing S4 segments in domains I - IV of Ca V 3.1 channel to channel activation were analyzed. Neutralization of the uppermost charge in individual S4 segments by exchange of arginine for cysteine was employed. Mutant channels with single exchange in domains I - IV, in two adjacent domains, and in all four domains were constructed and expressed in HEK 293 cells. Changes in maximal gating charge Q max and the relation between Q max and maximal conductance G max were evaluated. Q max was the most affected by single mutation in domain I and by double mutations in domains I + II and I + IV. The ratio G max /Q max proportional to opening probability of the channel was significantly decreased by the mutation in domain III and increased by mutations in domains I and II. In channels containing double mutations G max /Q max ratio increased significantly when the mutation in domain I was included. Mutations in domains II and III zeroed each other. Mutation in domain IV prevented the decrease caused by the mutation in domain III. Neither ion current nor gating current was observed when channels with quadruple mutations were expressed. Immunocytochemistry analysis did not reveal the presence of channel protein in the cell membrane. Likely, quadruple mutation results in a structural change that affects the channel's trafficking mechanism. Altogether, S4 segments in domains I-IV of the Ca V 3.1 channel unequally contribute to channel gating by voltage. We suggest the most important role of the voltage sensor in the domain I and lesser roles of voltage sensors in domains II and III.

Low-voltage-gated T-type calcium channels are expressed throughout the nervous system where they play an essential role in shaping neuronal excitability. Defects in T-type channel expression have been linked to various neuronal disorders including neuropathic pain and epilepsy. Currently, little is known about the cellular mechanisms controlling the expression and function of T-type channels. Asparagine-linked glycosylation has recently emerged as an essential signaling pathway by which the cellular environment can control expression of T-type channels. However, the role of N-glycans in the conducting function of T-type channels remains elusive. In the present study, we used human Cav3.2 glycosylation-deficient channels to assess the role of N-glycosylation on the gating of the channel. Patch-clamp recordings of gating currents revealed that N-glycans attached to hCav3.2 channels have a minimal effect on the functioning of the channel voltage-sensor. In contrast, N-glycosylation on specific asparagine residues may have an essential role in the conducting function of the channel by enhancing the channel permeability and / or the pore opening of the channel. Our data suggest that modulation of N-linked glycosylation of hCav3.2 channels may play an important physiological role, and could also support the alteration of T-type currents observed in disease states.

Two parallel pilot experiments were performed at Kurivody (Czech Republic) in order to compare two reductive remedial technologies for chlorinated ethenes - microbial dehalogenation assisted by lactate and chemical dehalogenation with zero-valent iron (nZVI) nanoparticles. The methods were applied at a site contaminated by tetrachlorethylene (PCE) and trichlorethylene (TCE), with total concentrations from 10 to 50 mg/l. Concentrations of chlorinated ethenes, inorganic components of interest, pH and oxidation reduction potential (ORP) were monitored at the site for a period up to 650 days. The method of biological reductive dechlorination supported by lactate showed a considerable removal of PCE and TCE, but temporary accumulation of transient reaction product 1,2-cis-dihloroethene. Reductive dechlorination with nZVI showed a significant reduction in the concentration of chlorinated ethenes without a formation of intermediate products. The development of pH showed only small changes due to the high buffering capacity of the aquifer. Both methods differ in the initial development of ORP, but over the long term showed similar values around 100 mV. Significant differences were observed for chemical oxygen demand, where groundwater after the application of nZVI showed no change in comparison to the application of lactate. The reductive effects of both agents were verified by changes in inorganic compound concentrations.