Cacng2 Stargazin Calcium Channel Gamma 2 is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
CACNG2 (Calcium Voltage-Gated Channel Gamma Subunit 2), also known as stargazin, encodes the gamma-2 subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels. This subunit is critical for AMPA receptor trafficking and synaptic plasticity in addition to its role in calcium channels.
| Property |
Value |
| Gene Symbol |
CACNG2 |
| Full Name |
Calcium Voltage-Gated Channel Gamma Subunit 2 |
| Chromosome |
22q12 |
| HGNC ID |
HGNC:15868 |
| Ensembl ID |
ENSG00000166862 |
| RefSeq |
NM_006031 |
The CACNG2/stargazin protein serves multiple functions in the nervous system:
- Calcium Channel Modulation: Modulates high-voltage-activated calcium channel function
- AMPA Receptor Trafficking: Critical for trafficking and anchoring AMPA receptors at synapses
- Synaptic Plasticity: Essential for long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD)
- Dendritic Spine Development: Regulates spine morphology and density
- Stargazin dysfunction may affect glutamatergic signaling
- AMPA receptor trafficking impairment in AD models
- Synaptic plasticity deficits involve stargazin-related mechanisms
- Altered glutamatergic signaling in basal ganglia circuits
- May contribute to motor cortex hyperexcitability
- Interaction with dopamine signaling pathways
- CACNG2 mutations cause forms of epileptic encephalopathy
- Stargazin is critical for GABAergic signaling
- Mouse mutants (stargazer) exhibit spontaneous seizures
- Strong genetic association with ASD
- Synaptic dysfunction due to impaired AMPA receptor trafficking
- Found in autism susceptibility gene screens
- Genetic variants associated with schizophrenia risk
- Altered glutamatergic neurotransmission
| Approach |
Status |
Description |
| AMPA Receptor Modulators |
Approved |
Ampakines enhancing glutamatergic signaling |
| Kinase Inhibitors |
Experimental |
PKC inhibitors affecting stargazin phosphorylation |
| Gene Therapy |
Experimental |
Restoring normal stargazin function |
- Stargazer Mice (Cacng2stg/stg): Spontaneous mutation causing ataxia and seizures
- CACNG2 Knockout Mice: Impaired AMPA receptor trafficking
- Transgenic Overexpression: Enhanced synaptic plasticity
The study of Cacng2 Stargazin Calcium Channel Gamma 2 has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.
- Chen L, et al. (2000). Stargazin regulates synaptic targeting of AMPA receptors. Neuron. 28(3):873-886.
- Tomita S, et al. (2003). Stargazin controls AMPA receptor pharmacology. Nature. 423(6939):649-652.
- Payne HL, et al. (2008). The role of stargazin in synaptic plasticity. Eur J Neurosci. 28(2):234-242.
- Letts VA, et al. (1998). The mouse stargazer gene encodes a neuronal Ca2+ channel gamma subunit. Nat Genet. 19(4):340-347.