Low-threshold (T-type) Ca2+ channels encoded by the Ca V 3 genes endow neurons with oscillatory properties that underlie slow waves characteristic of the non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep EEG. Three Ca V 3 channel subtypes are expressed in the thalamocortical (TC) system, but their respective roles for the sleep EEG are unclear. Ca V 3.3 protein is expressed abundantly in the nucleus reticularis thalami (nRt), an essential oscillatory burst generator. We report the characterization of a transgenic Ca V 3.3 −/− mouse line and demonstrate that Ca V 3.3 channels are indispensable for nRt function and for sleep spindles, a hallmark of natural sleep. The absence of Ca V 3.3 channels prevented oscillatory bursting in the lowfrequency (4-10 Hz) range in nRt cells but spared tonic discharge. In contrast, adjacent TC neurons expressing Ca V 3.1 channels retained low-threshold bursts. Nevertheless, the generation of synchronized thalamic network oscillations underlying sleep-spindle waves was weakened markedly because of the reduced inhibition of TC neurons via nRt cells. T currents in Ca V 3.3 −/− mice were <30% compared with those in WT mice, and the remaining current, carried by Ca V 3.2 channels, generated dendritic [Ca 2+ ] i signals insufficient to provoke oscillatory bursting that arises from interplay with Ca 2+ -dependent small conductance-type 2 K + channels. Finally, naturally sleeping Ca V 3.3 −/− mice showed a selective reduction in the power density of the σ frequency band (10-12 Hz) at transitions from NREM to REM sleep, with other EEG waves remaining unaltered. Together, these data identify a central role for Ca V 3.3 channels in the rhythmogenic properties of the sleep-spindle generator and provide a molecular target to elucidate the roles of sleep spindles for brain function and development.2+ channels encoded by the Ca V 3 genes activate near resting membrane potentials and generate low-threshold Ca 2+ spikes leading to burst firing and low-frequency oscillatory discharge that are prominent in some thalamic, olivary, and cerebellar neurons (1). Among the low-threshold Ca 2+ currents carried by Ca V 3 channels, those mediated by Ca V 3.3 channels are unique in that they display the slowest time course, the fastest recovery from inactivation, and often the most depolarized activation voltages (2, 3). Moreover, Ca V 3.3 mRNA is expressed predominantly in brain and shows highest regional specificity (3-5). To date, identification of specific physiological roles for Ca V 3.3 channels has been hampered for several reasons. First, these channels typically are coexpressed with Ca V 3.1 and/or Ca V 3.2 channels (4, 5), and specific pharmacological tools are not available (1). Second, Ca V 3.3 channels often are found in distal dendrites, limiting accessibility for electrophysiological characterization (6, 7). Finally, Ca V 3.3 −/− mice have not been reported, whereas Ca V 3.1 −/− and Ca V 3.2 knockdown mice have helped address the roles of Ca V 3.1 and Ca V 3.2 channels in sleep and pain, respectively (8-10)...