Location matters: somatic and dendritic SK channels answer to distinct calcium signals.

Voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs) couple neuronal activity to diverse intracellular signals with exquisite spatiotemporal specificity. Using calcium imaging and electrophysiology, Jones and Stuart (J Neurosci 33: 19396-19405, 2013) examined the intimate relationship between distinct types of VDCCs and small-conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channels that contribute to the compartmentalized control of excitability in the soma and dendrites of cortical pyramidal neurons. Here we discuss the importance of calcium domains for signal specificity, explore the possible functions and mechanisms for local control of SK channels, and highlight technical considerations for the optical detection of calcium signals.