Activity of T-type calcium channels is independent of CRMP2 in sensory neurons

Amongst the regulators of voltage-gated ion channels is the collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2). CRMP2 regulation of the activity and trafficking of NaV1.7 voltage-gated sodium channels as well as the N-type (CaV2.2) voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) has been reported. On the other hand, CRMP2 does not appear to regulate L- (CaV1.x), P/Q- (CaV2.1), and R- (CaV2.3) type high VGCCs. Whether CRMP2 regulates low VGCCs remains an open question. Here, we asked if CRMP2 could regulate the low voltage-gated (T-type/CaV3.x) channels in sensory neurons. Reducing CRMP2 protein levels with short interfering RNAs yielded no change in macroscopic currents carried by T-type channels. No change in biophysical properties of the T-type currents was noted. Future studies pursuing CRMP2 druggability in neuropathic pain will benefit from the findings that CRMP2 regulates only the N-type (CaV2.2) calcium channels.