Citation

The mechanisms by which G proteins modulate voltage-gated Ca(2+)channel currents (CaV), particularly CaV2.2 and CaV2.3, are voltage dependent (VD) or voltage independent (VI). VD pathways are typically mediated by Gi/oand GSsubfamilies. On the other hand, VI inhibition modulation is coupled to the Gqsubfamily and signaling pathways downstream of phospholipase C stimulation. In most studies, this latter pathway has been shown to be linked to Gqand/or G11protein subunits. However, there are no studies that have examined whether natively expressed G14subunits (Gqsubfamily member) couple G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) with CaV2.2 channels. We report that G14subunits functionally couple the substance P (SP)/neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor pathway to CaV2.2 channels in acutely dissociated rat celiac-superior mesenteric ganglion (CSMG) neurons. Exposure of CSMG neurons to SP blocked the CaV2.2 currents in a predominantly VD manner that was pertussis toxin and cholera toxin resistant, as well as Gq/11independent. However, silencing G14subunits significantly attenuated the SP-mediated Ca(2+)current block. In another set of experiments, exposure of CSMG neurons to SP led to the inhibition of KCNQ K(+)M-currents. The SP-mediated M-current block was significantly reduced in neurons transfected with G14small-interference RNA. Finally, overexpression of the GTP-bound Gq/11binding protein RGS2 did not alter the block of M-currents by SP but significantly abolished the oxotremorine methiodide-mediated M-current inhibition. Taken together, these results provide evidence of a new G14-coupled signaling pathway that modulates CaV2.2 and M-currents via SP-stimulated NK-1 receptors in CSMG neurons.