TRPChannels

Abstract

TRP channels constitute a large superfamily of cation channel forming proteins, all related to the gene product of the transient receptor potential (trp) locus in Drosophila. In mammals, 28 different TRP channel genes have been identified, which exhibit a large variety of functional properties and play diverse cellular and physiological roles. In this article, we provide a brief and systematic summary of expression, function, and (patho)physiological role of the mammalian TRP channels.

Neurophysiology of Skin Thermal Sensations

“…In 1989 the transient receptor potential mutant gene was cloned and showed to code for a transmembrane protein with up to eight transmembrane regions (215). This observation led to the conclusion that the transient receptor potential gene could code for membrane ion channels or receptors (117). Since then, much has been done to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that allow membrane ion channels to transduce mechanical (touch), hearing, vision, taste stimuli into electrical signals in the form of action potentials conveying sensory information (117).…”

“…This observation led to the conclusion that the transient receptor potential gene could code for membrane ion channels or receptors (117). Since then, much has been done to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that allow membrane ion channels to transduce mechanical (touch), hearing, vision, taste stimuli into electrical signals in the form of action potentials conveying sensory information (117). However, it is only very recently that the molecular mechanisms that allow temperature stimuli to be transduced into action potentials by afferent nerve fibers have been identified and characterized.…”

“…However, it is only very recently that the molecular mechanisms that allow temperature stimuli to be transduced into action potentials by afferent nerve fibers have been identified and characterized. For reasons of maintaining this review self-contained, and having this area been the object of recent detailed reviews (117,299), the following paragraphs will focus on the most representative studies characterizing the function of temperature-sensitive TRP channels and their potential involvement in human thermal sensations.…”

“…Temperature-dependent firing in thermosensory neurons seems therefore to be mediated by temperature-dependent gating and selective permeability of those TRP ion channels expressed on the plasma membrane of these sensory neurons (299). While the key role of TRP ion channels in gating temperature at a molecular level is now widely accepted, the knowledge on the structural characteristics and functional mechanisms that allow thermo-sensitive TRP ion channels to gate ion fluxes in a temperaturedependent manner, is still far from being comprehensive (117). Nevertheless, recent studies have provided initial insights on these mechanisms.…”

Clinical utility gene card for: Cystinosis

“…10,11 The TRPV1 gene encodes for the TRPV1 expressed in the primary sensory neurons and activated by heat and various chemical compounds, including capsaicin. 12 Two first non-coding exons of the TRPV1 are removed by the 57-kb deletion. Hypothetically, the reduced sweating and crafting for spicy food described in cystinosis patients might be attributed to a decreased function of the TRPPV1 receptor.…”