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Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Expression and Purification of the Human Lipid-sensitive Cation Channel TRPC3 for Structural Determination by Single-particle Cryo-electron Microscopy
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Expression and Purification of the Human Lipid-sensitive Cation Channel TRPC3 for Structural Determination by Single-particle Cryo-electron Microscopy

Published on: January 7, 2019

Exocytotic insertion of TRPC6 channel into the plasma membrane upon Gq protein-coupled receptor activation

Sylvie Cayouette1, Marc P Lussier, Eve-Lyne Mathieu

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada.

The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|December 10, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Exocytosis, a process where cells release substances, is involved in activating TRPC6 channels. This mechanism increases TRPC6 protein presence at the cell surface upon stimulation, facilitating calcium entry.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Transient Receptor Potential Canonical (TRPC) proteins mediate calcium entry in non-excitable cells.
  • TRPC protein activation and regulation are critical research areas, involving interactions with inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors.
  • Evidence suggests exocytosis may contribute to TRPC channel activation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of exocytosis in the activation of TRPC6 channels.
  • To determine if TRPC6 proteins translocate to the plasma membrane via exocytosis.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized biotinylation labeling to assess cell surface protein levels.
  • Employed indirect immunofluorescence to visualize TRPC6 localization in stably transfected HEK 293 cells.
  • Stimulated cells using muscarinic receptor agonists and thapsigargin to deplete intracellular calcium stores.

Main Results:

  • TRPC6 protein levels at the plasma membrane increased upon muscarinic receptor stimulation or intracellular calcium depletion.
  • TRPC6 externalization occurred at lower carbachol concentrations than those required for TRPC6 activation.
  • TRPC6 translocation to the plasma membrane was rapid (within 30 seconds) and sustained during stimulation.

Conclusions:

  • Exocytosis is an integral mechanism involved in the activation of TRPC6 channels.
  • TRPC6 translocation to the plasma membrane via exocytosis precedes or accompanies channel activation.
  • This finding provides new insights into the regulation of calcium signaling pathways involving TRPC6.

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