TitleFrom Gene to Behavior: L-Type Calcium Channel Mechanisms Underlying Neuropsychiatric Symptoms.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2017
AuthorsKabir ZD, Martinez-Rivera A, Rajadhyaksha AM
JournalNeurotherapeutics
Volume14
Issue3
Pagination588-613
Date Published2017 Jul
ISSN1878-7479
KeywordsAnimals, Calcium Channels, L-Type, Genetic Variation, Humans, Mental Disorders, Social Behavior
Abstract

The L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) Ca1.2 and Ca1.3, encoded by the CACNA1C and CACNA1D genes, respectively, are important regulators of calcium influx into cells and are critical for normal brain development and plasticity. In humans, CACNA1C has emerged as one of the most widely reproduced and prominent candidate risk genes for a range of neuropsychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder (BD), schizophrenia (SCZ), major depressive disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Separately, CACNA1D has been found to be associated with BD and autism spectrum disorder, as well as cocaine dependence, a comorbid feature associated with psychiatric disorders. Despite growing evidence of a significant link between CACNA1C and CACNA1D and psychiatric disorders, our understanding of the biological mechanisms by which these LTCCs mediate neuropsychiatric-associated endophenotypes, many of which are shared across the different disorders, remains rudimentary. Clinical studies with LTCC blockers testing their efficacy to alleviate symptoms associated with BD, SCZ, and drug dependence have provided mixed results, underscoring the importance of further exploring the neurobiological consequences of dysregulated Ca1.2 and Ca1.3. Here, we provide a review of clinical studies that have evaluated LTCC blockers for BD, SCZ, and drug dependence-associated symptoms, as well as rodent studies that have identified Ca1.2- and Ca1.3-specific molecular and cellular cascades that underlie mood (anxiety, depression), social behavior, cognition, and addiction.

DOI10.1007/s13311-017-0532-0
Alternate JournalNeurotherapeutics
PubMed ID28497380
PubMed Central IDPMC5509628
Grant ListR01 DA029122 / DA / NIDA NIH HHS / United States