Calcium channels are ion channels that have selective permeability to calcium ions. Calcium is a vital signaling molecule that can mediate muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and gene expression. Disruption of normal calcium channel function causes a variety of diseases, such as inherited calcium channel diseases including neurological diseases (X-linked night blindness) and hemiplegic migraine; musculoskeletal diseases such as hypokalemic periodic paralysis and malignant hyperthermia; and cardiovascular diseases, including ventricular cardiomyopathy and familial polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Learn more: types of calcium channels