Sense and sensibility in the regulation of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels.

Voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels are crucial for neurotransmitter release and other neuronal functions, and their activity-dependent regulation could underlie various aspects of synaptic plasticity. Recent studies have identified Ca(2+)-sensing proteins involved in Ca(2+)-channel modulation. These have complex effects on channel gating, and data suggest that the actions of multiple Ca(2+) sensors are important for the fine-tuning of Ca(2+) channel activity.