Skeletal Functions of Voltage Sensitive Calcium Channels

Abstract

Voltage-sensitive calcium channels (VSCCs) are ubiquitous multimeric protein complexes that are necessary for the regulation of numerous physiological processes. VSCCs regulate calcium influx and various intracellular processes including muscle contraction, neurotransmission, hormone secretion, and gene transcription, with function specificity defined by the channel‟s subunits and tissue location. The functions of VSCCs in bone are often overlooked since bone is not considered an electrically excitable tissue. However, skeletal homeostasis and adaptation relies heavily on VSCCs. Inhibition or deletion of VSCCs decreases osteogenesis, impairs skeletal structure, and impedes anabolic responses to mechanical loading. While the functions of VSCCs in osteoclasts is less clear, VSCCs have distinct but complementary functions in osteoblasts and osteocytes. This review details the structure, function, and nomenclature of VSCCs, followed by a comprehensive description of the known functions of VSCCs in bone cells and their regulation of bone development, bone formation, and mechanotransduction.