Abstract
New functions for voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel auxiliary beta subunits have recently been identified. These functions appear to be regulated by the beta subunit alone, independently of any effects on the Ca(2+) influx; hence, the beta subunit may not be truly "auxiliary" and may play more fundamental roles in Ca(2+) homeostasis or gene regulation. These new findings raise important questions and open new, exciting research avenues.