Calcium channels mediate the entry of calcium ions into the cell upon membrane polarization. This gene encodes the alpha-2/delta subunit of the voltage-dependent calcium channel complex. The complex consists of the main channel-forming subunit alpha-1, and auxiliary subunits alpha-2/delta, beta, and gamma. The auxiliary subunits function in the assembly and membrane localization of the complex, and modulate calcium currents and channel activation/inactivation kinetics. The subunit encoded by this gene undergoes post-translational cleavage to yield the extracellular alpha2 peptide and a membrane-anchored delta polypeptide. This subunit is a receptor for the antiepileptic drug, gabapentin. Mutations in this gene are associated with early infantile epileptic encephalopathy. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in this gene are correlated with increased sensitivity to opioid drugs. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms. [provided by RefSeq, Mar 2014]
Forensic Context
A study in mice demonstrated that the CACNA2D2 is a target of the RNA-binding protein hnRNP H1 in the striatum, where methamphetamine administration altered its binding, decreased its transcript levels, and increased proximal 3'UTR usage [Ruan et al. DOI:10.1016/J.Pnpbp.2025.111598]. In a separate cardiovascular study, cocaine exposure in mice increased the CACNA2D2 expression in aortic smooth muscle cells, which elevated intracellular calcium and cell contractility, contributing to increased blood pressure and aortic stiffness; this effect was reversed by miR-423-5p overexpression which targets the CACNA2D2 [Dykxhoorn et al. DOI:10.3390/Ijms24076584].