<i>Trpv1</i>-dependent <i>Cacna1b</i> gene inactivation reveals cell-specific functions of Ca_V2.2 channels <i>in vivo</i>

Voltage-gated Ca_V2.2 channels underlie the N-type current, and they regulate calcium entry at many presynaptic nerve endings to control transmitter release. A role for Ca_V2.2 channels has been well established in the transmission of sensory signals including noxious information using pharmacological and global gene knockout mouse models. However, investigation of the cell-specific actions of Ca_V2.2 channels has been difficult due to the lack of gene-dependent knockout mouse models and particularly in dissecting behavioral responses that depend on Ca_V2.2 channel activity. Here, we show the importance of Ca_V2.2 channels in <i>Trpv1</i>-lineage neurons in behavioral responses to sensory stimuli using Cre-dependent inactivation of the <i>Cacna1b</i> gene. Our work shows the cell-type specificity of Ca_V2.2 channels in mediating rapidly developing heat hypersensitivity and the utility of Cre-dependent inactivation of <i>Cacna1b</i> to discern cell-specific Ca_V2.2 channel functions.