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Douglas A. Andres
Professor
B.S. University of Wisconsin, Madison
Ph.D. Purdue University
dandres@pop.uky.edu
859-257-6775

Research Interests  |  Selected References  |  PubMed

Regulation of Calcium Channel Function by the Rem/Rem2 GTPases.

PICTURES: EP curves / Model for RGK action

Voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs) regulate the flow of Ca²⁺ ions across cellular membranes as a function of membrane potential. This calcium influx serves to regulate a variety of cellular functions, including muscle contraction, endocrine secretion, and synaptic transmission. Because of this, their regulation is of critical importance to the control of cellular activity. This is highlighted by the finding that calcium dysfunction accompanies disease progression such as in cardiac hypertrophy and diabetes. We have recently identified a novel mechanism for regulating voltage-dependent calcium channel function. These data provide evidence that the Ras-related GTPase Rem regulates calcium channel activity in cardiac and skeletal muscle to regulate contraction while the Rem2 G-protein functions to control both insulin secretion from pancreatic b-islet cells and neural transmission in the brain. These studies indicate that Rem and Rem2 proteins play a critical role in regulating calcium channel function, and that modulating Rem/Rem2 activity may provide a unique approach to treating diseases as diverse as heart failure and diabetes.

Publications:

Finlin, B.S. Crump, S., Satin, J., and Andres, D.A. (2003) Regulation of Voltage-gated Calcium Channel Activity by the Rem             and Rad GTPases. PNAS, 100(24), 14469-14474.

Finlin, B.S., Mosely, A. L., Crump, S.M., Correll, R.N., Ozcan, S., Satin, J., and Andres, D.A. (2005) Regulation of L-type Ca²⁺ Channel Activity and Insulin Secretion by the Rem2 GTPase. Accepted: J. Biol. Chem.