Calcium-sensing mechanism in TRPC5 channels contributing to retardation of neurite outgrowth

The calcium- and sodium-permeable transient receptor potential channel TRPC5 has an inhibitory role in neuronal outgrowth but the mechanisms governing its activity are poorly understood. Here we propose a mechanism involving the neuronal calcium sensor-1 (NCS-1) protein. Inhibitory mutants of TRPC5 and NCS-1 enhance neurite outgrowth similarly. Mutant NCS-1 does not inhibit surface-expression of TRPC5 but generally suppresses channel activity, irrespective of whether it is evoked by carbachol, store depletion, lanthanides or elevated intracellular calcium. NCS-1 and TRPC5 are in the same protein complex in rat brain and NCS-1 directly binds to the TRPC5 C-terminus. The data suggest protein-protein interaction between NCS-1 and TRPC5, and involvement of this protein complex in retardation of neurite outgrowth.