The R-type calcium channel is a type of voltage-dependent calcium channel. Like the others of this class, the ñ<sub>1</sub> subunit forms the pore through which calcium enters the cell and determines most of the channel's properties. This ñ<sub>1</sub> subunit is also known as the calcium channel, voltage-dependent, R type, alpha 1E subunit (CACNA1E) or Cav<sub>2.3</sub> which in humans is encoded by the CACNA1E gene. They are strongly expressed in cortex, hippocampus, striatum, amygdala and interpeduncular nucleus.
They are poorly understood, but like Q-type calcium channels, they appear to be present in cerebellar granule cells. They have a high threshold of activation and relatively slow kinetics.