TRP channels

Abstract

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are nonselective cation channels that function as cellular sensors that integrate diverse signals, including intracellular and extracellular messengers, exogenous chemicals, temperature, and mechanical stress. These channels are involved in multiple functions, including pain, temperature, and mechanical sensations, calcium (Ca 2ϩ ) and magnesium (Mg 2ϩ ) homeostasis, lysosomal function, cardiovascular regulation, and control of cell growth and proliferation.

Candidate Screening of the TRPC3 Gene in Cerebellar Ataxia

“…Furthermore, several studies have linked TRPC3 to key signalling pathways that are affected in human cerebellar ataxia [1, 14]. TRP family member genes have recently been implicated in human neurological diseases [4, 5]. We, therefore, hypothesized that mutations in the TRPC3 gene might underlie previously undiagnosed late-onset forms of human cerebellar ataxia or episodic ataxia.…”

Transient Receptor Potential Channels as Drug Targets: From the Science of Basic Research to the Art of Medicine

“…TRPM2 and TRPM7 are thought to initiate neuronal cell death by sensing oxidative stress (TRPM2 is a redox sensor); indeed, TRPM2 and TRPM7 are crucial for cell viability in neurodegenerative diseases (for a review, see Benarroch, 2008;Szydlowska and Tymianski, 2010). A subset of patients with ALS-G and PD-G are heterozygotes for a missense mutation in the Trpm2 and Trpm7 genes, which cause fast inactivation and increased sensitivity to inhibitory Mg 2+ (Hermosura et al, 2005(Hermosura et al, , 2008Hermosura and Garruto, 2007).…”

Transient receptor potential channelopathies

“…Functional TRP channels are either homo-or heterotetramers assembled from identical or similar TRP subunits [109,110]. Although evidences for hereditary channelopathies (e.g., mutations in the channel gene are essential for the pathogenesis of the disease and cause altered channel functions) have only been described for few TRP family members, emerging genetic analysis data identify most of Trp genes as potential risk factors for many disease states [1,2,13,59,64,101,104]. Importantly, associations between TRPs and diseases spot these channels as novel pharmaceutical targets (see [77,107,113,143]).…”