[5][6] This gene encodes a member of the alpha-2/delta subunit family, a protein in the voltage-dependent calcium channel complex.

[6] In mammals, alpha-2/delta proteins exist in four subtypes coded by four separate but closely related genes, CACNA2D1, CACNA2D2, CACNA2D3 and CACNA2D4.

Recently, alpha-2/delta1 proteins, in addition to calcium channels, have been found to interact directly with N-methyl-D-aspartate type glutamate receptors (NMDAR), AMPA type glutamate receptors (AMPAR) and the extracellular adhesion protein, thrombospondin.

[7] Alpha-2/delta proteins are believed to be the molecular target of the gabapentinoids gabapentin and pregabalin, which are used to treat epilepsy and neuropathic pain.

This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.