Voltage-gated CaV channels as potential targets for anti-diabetes therapy
The voltage-gated Ca(2+) (CaV) channel acts as a key player in β cell physiology and pathophysiology. β cell CaV channels undergo hyperactivation subsequent to exposure to type 1 diabetic (T1D) serum resulting in Ca(2+)-triggered β cell apoptosis. In the March 2015 issue of Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, data from a study is presented which revealed the subtypes of these CaV1 channels as well as the biophysical mechanisms responsible for T1D serum-induced hyperactivation of β cell CaV1 channels. These findings suggest CaV1.2 and CaV1.3 channels as potential targets for anti-diabetes therapy.