Modulation of CaV2.1 Channels by the Neuronal Calcium-Binding Protein Visinin-Like Protein-2

CaV2.1 channels conduct P/Q-type Ca2+ currents that are modulated by calmodulin (CaM) and the structurally related Ca2+-binding protein 1 (CaBP1). Visinin-like protein-2 (VILIP-2) is a CaM-related Ca2+-binding protein expressed in the neocortex and hippocampus. Coexpression of CaV2.1 and VILIP-2 in tsA-201 cells resulted in Ca2+ channel modulation distinct from CaM and CaBP1. CaV2.1 channels with beta2a subunits undergo Ca2+-dependent facilitation and inactivation attributable to association of endogenous Ca2+/CaM. VILIP-2 coexpression does not alter facilitation measured in paired-pulse experiments but slows the rate of inactivation to that seen without Ca2+/CaM binding and reduces inactivation of Ca2+ currents during trains of repetitive depolarizations. CaV2.1 channels with beta1b subunits have rapid voltage-dependent inactivation, and VILIP-2 has no effect on the rate of inactivation or facilitation of the Ca2+ current. In contrast, when Ba2+ replaces Ca2+ as the charge carrier, VILIP-2 slows inactivation. The effects of VILIP-2 are prevented by deletion of the CaM-binding domain (CBD) in the C terminus of CaV2.1 channels. However, both the CBD and an upstream IQ-like domain must be deleted to prevent VILIP-2 binding. Our results indicate that VILIP-2 binds to the CBD and IQ-like domains of CaV2.1 channels like CaM but slows inactivation, which enhances facilitation of CaV2.1 channels during extended trains of stimuli. Comparison of VILIP-2 effects with those of CaBP1 indicates striking differences in modulation of both facilitation and inactivation. Differential regulation of CaV2.1 channels by CaM, VILIP-2, CaBP1, and other neurospecific Ca2+-binding proteins is a potentially important determinant of Ca2+ entry in neurotransmission.