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The TRP ion channel family
D E Clapham1, L W Runnels, C Strübing
1Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 1309 Enders Building, 320 Longwood Avenue, Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. clapham@rascal.med.harvard.edu
Abstract:
Mammalian homologues of the Drosophila transient receptor potential (TRP) channel gene encode a family of at least 20 ion channel proteins. They are widely distributed in mammalian tissues, but their specific physiological functions are largely unknown. A common theme that links the TRP channels is their activation or modulation by phosphatidylinositol signal transduction pathways. The channel subunits have six transmembrane domains that most probably assemble into tetramers to form non-selective cationic channels, which allow for the influx of calcium ions into cells. Three subgroups comprise the TRP channel family; the best understood of these mediates responses to painful stimuli. Other proposed functions include repletion of intracellular calcium stores, receptor-mediated excitation and modulation of the cell cycle.
Insights
Mammalian TRP channels are a family of 20+ ion channels involved in cell signaling. Their precise physiological roles, particularly in pain, calcium signaling, and cell cycle modulation, are still under investigation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Physiology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Mammalian homologues of the Drosophila transient receptor potential (TRP) channel gene encode a diverse family of ion channel proteins.
- These TRP channels are widely distributed across mammalian tissues, yet their specific physiological functions remain largely uncharacterized.
- A unifying characteristic of TRP channels is their regulation by phosphatidylinositol signal transduction pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the largely unknown physiological functions of mammalian TRP channels.
- To explore the role of TRP channels in various cellular processes, including pain responses, calcium homeostasis, and cell cycle regulation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of mammalian TRP channel gene homologues.
- Investigation of channel structure, including six transmembrane domains and tetrameric assembly.
- Examination of activation and modulation by phosphatidylinositol signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Identified a family of at least 20 mammalian TRP channel proteins.
- Determined that TRP channel subunits assemble into tetramers, forming non-selective cation channels.
- Highlighted that TRP channels facilitate calcium ion influx into cells.
- Noted that one subgroup of TRP channels is involved in pain responses.
Conclusions:
- Mammalian TRP channels are crucial ion channels with diverse functions.
- TRP channels play roles in calcium influx, pain sensation, intracellular calcium store replenishment, receptor-mediated excitation, and cell cycle modulation.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the specific physiological roles of this important channel family.