This gene encodes a member of the alpha-2/delta subunit family, a protein in the voltage-dependent calcium channel complex. Calcium channels mediate the influx of calcium ions into the cell upon membrane polarization and consist of a complex of alpha-1, alpha-2/delta, beta, and gamma subunits in a 1:1:1:1 ratio. Various versions of each of these subunits exist, either expressed from similar genes or the result of alternative splicing. Research on a highly similar protein in rabbit suggests the protein described in this record is cleaved into alpha-2 and delta subunits. Alternate transcriptional splice variants of this gene have been observed but have not been thoroughly characterized. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008].
Bellessort, Bachelot, Grouthier, De Lombares, Narboux-Neme, Garagnani, Pirazzini, Astigiano, Mastracci, Fontaine, Alfama, Duvernois-Berthet, Levi: "Comparative analysis of molecular signatures suggests the use of gabapentin for the management of endometriosis-associated pain." in: Journal of pain research, Vol. 11, pp. 715-725, (2018) (PubMed).