Dr. Buraei's Research Lab
NIH funds our project!"RGK-mediated inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels"
RGK proteins, named after the 4 proteins that make up the family (Rem, Rem2, Rad and Gem/Kir), were found to inhibit voltage-gated calcium channels (Beguin et al. 2001). This has incredible ramifications for life since calcium channel opening leads to neurotransmitter release in the nervous system, and to muscle contraction in both skeletal and cardiac muscle. Dr. Buraei obtained an NIH grant to study the unexplored mechanisms by which RGK proteins inhibit calcium channels.
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In this work we have made several discoveries some of which have been published and most of which are in preparation.
1) We identified a new way in which RGK proteins inhibit calcium channels. This new mechanism involves RGK proteins using the inactivation gate of the channel to make it 'sticky'. This has implications for many diseases.
2) We have determined that some RGKs delay channel opening.
3) We have determined that some drugs, some of which are commonly prescribed from blood pressure (e.g. diltiazem) additively inhibit calcium channels when combined with RGK proteins.
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