Regulation of voltage gated calcium channels by GPCRs and post-translational modification

•Ca2+ channels are important for the proper function of nerve muscle and heart.•Signaling complexes with GPCRs regulate Ca2+ channel function and trafficking.•Ca2+ channels are modulated by phosphorylation.•Ca2+ channels are modified by proteolysis, glycosylation, and ubiquitination.

Calcium entry via voltage gated calcium channels mediates a wide range of physiological functions, whereas calcium channel dysregulation has been associated with numerous pathophysiological conditions. There are myriad cell signaling pathways that act on voltage gated calcium channels to fine tune their activities and to regulate their cell surface expression. These regulatory mechanisms include the activation of G protein-coupled receptors and downstream phosphorylation events, and their control over calcium channel trafficking through direct physical interactions. Calcium channels also undergo post-translational modifications that alter both function and density of the channels in the plasma membrane. Here we focus on select aspects of these regulatory mechanisms and highlight recent developments.