1. Parkinson’s and Calcium Channels
AP Biology Cell Communication Presentation
Claire, Amira, and Anne
Parkinson’s and Calcium Channels

2. Explanation of Parkinson’s
A Neurodegenerative Disorder
It affects movement
There is no cure
Dopamine neurons die
Explanation of Parkinson’s

3. Connection to Signaling
Dopamine is the ligand
It is sent out from the Dopamine neuron
Dopamine receptor proteins accept the ligand
These occur on target neurons
In the normal pathway proper amounts of dopamine ignite the neurons
In Parkinson’s high levels of calcium also enter the neuron along with the dopamine

5. Connection to Transduction
normal dopamine release pathway:
dopamine binds to D1- and D2-type receptors.
D1 receptors signal G proteins that activate adenylate cyclase, which then cause production of cAMP and activation of PKA
D2-type receptors inhibit adenylate cyclase to prevent signaling
Parkinson’s disease:
the signal transduction pathway is essentially the same
the dopamine levels are different
dysfunctional mitochondria:
mitochondrial protein PINK1 guards the cell against oxidative stress and regulates the protein TRAP1
PINK1 does not function properly, neither does TRAP1, mitochondria is damaged.
creates an excess of α-synuclein, which turns into Lewy Bodies that prevent dopamine synthesis.
α-synuclein buildup + calcium buildup from calcium channels can lead to lead to cell death.
Connection to Transduction

7. Connection to Cellular Response
The response to a healthy dopaminergic neuron is an electrical impulse caused by the influx of calcium ions through the calcium channels. The electrical impulse allows for proper motor control.
The response of these cells in a person with Parkinson's disease involves the influx of too many calcium ions, putting stress on the cells' mitochondria. The mitochondria then release a substance that causes premature apoptosis. 
Connection to Cellular Response

10. Works Cited
"Can Calcium Channel Blockers Save Stressed-Out Dopaminergic Neurons? | ALZFORUM." Can Calcium Channel Blockers Save Stressed-Out Dopaminergic Neurons? | ALZFORUM. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Dec
"Cyclic Voltammetry for the Detection of Dopamine in Vivo." CV. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Dec
"Especially for People with Parkinson’s Disease." Seneca Physical Therapy and Wellness Center » Parkinsons Disease. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Dec
"The Journal of Experimental Biology." Different Types of Calcium Channels. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Dec
L-Type Calcium Channel Blockers and Parkinson’s Disease in Denmark. National Institutes of Health, n.d. Web.
"Monthly Archives: July 2012." Autoimmune Patient. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Dec
"Parkinson's Disease." Definition. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Dec
"Parkinson's Disease." Symptoms. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Dec
"Research Brings Cure for Parkinson's Disease a Step Closer." Research Brings Cure for Parkinson's Disease a Step Closer. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Dec
"Science News." Calcium Channels Changes Could Point to New Therapies. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Dec
"TO SLOW PARKINSON’S, SHUT OUT CALCIUM." N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Dec
Little, Liann. "Parkinson's Cell Signaling Communication." Prezi.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Dec
"Dopamine Signaling in Parkinson's Disease Pathway." Cell Signaling Technology (CST): Antibodies, Reagents, Proteomics, Kits and Consumables. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Dec
McCleskey, E. W., A. P. Fox, D. Feldman, and R. W. Tsein. "Different Types of Calcium Channels." (1986): Web. 9 Dec
Rogers, Madolyn B. "Can Calcium Channel Blockers Save Stressed-Out Dopaminergic Neurons?" Alzforum. Biomedical Research Forum, LLC., 11 Nov Web. 9 Dec