Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Method for Identifying Small Molecule Inhibitors of the Protein-protein Interaction Between HCN1 and TRIP8b
10:20

Method for Identifying Small Molecule Inhibitors of the Protein-protein Interaction Between HCN1 and TRIP8b

Published on: November 11, 2016

TRP channels as therapeutic targets: hot property, or time to cool down?

G A Hicks

    Neurogastroenterology and Motility
    |August 22, 2006
    PubMed

    Insights

    Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels regulate vital physiological processes and are implicated in numerous diseases. While TRPV1 antagonists show therapeutic promise, the TRP channel family

    Area of Science:

    • Physiology
    • Pharmacology
    • Molecular Biology

    Background:

    • Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are crucial for osmoregulation, sensory signaling, and cellular functions.
    • TRP channels, particularly TRPV1, are implicated in the pathophysiology of diverse diseases including chronic pain, IBS, and GORD.
    • Research is increasingly focusing on TRP channels in neurogastroenterology, exploring their roles in visceral afferent chemosensitivity and mechanosensitivity.

    Discussion:

    • The therapeutic potential of TRP channel modulators is significant, evidenced by numerous patents for TRPV1 antagonists.
    • Natural ligands like capsaicin highlight the biological activity of TRP channels.
    • The complexity of the TRP channel family necessitates a cautious approach to drug discovery.

    Key Insights:

    • TRP channels are involved in a broad spectrum of physiological processes and diseases.
    • TRPV1 antagonists are being investigated for various therapeutic applications.
    • Understanding the roles of TRP channels in disease is still in its early stages.

    Outlook:

    • Further research into the diverse roles of TRP channels in disease pathophysiology is essential.
    • The complexity of the TRP family may present challenges for rapid drug development.
    • Continued investigation into TRP channel subtypes and their functions will guide future therapeutic strategies.

    More Related Videos

    Controllable Ion Channel Expression through Inducible Transient Transfection10:00

    Controllable Ion Channel Expression through Inducible Transient Transfection

    Published on: February 17, 2017

    Related Concept Videos

    Thermosensation01:43

    Thermosensation

    Peripheral thermosensation is the perception of external temperature. A change in temperature (on the surface of the skin and other tissues) is detected by a family of temperature-sensitive ion channels called Transient Receptor Potential, or TRP, receptors. These receptors are located on free nerve endings. Those detecting cold temperatures are closer to the surface of the skin than the nerve endings detecting warmth. These thermoTRP channels, while temperature selective, have relatively...
    G-Protein Gated Ion Channels01:21

    G-Protein Gated Ion Channels

    GPCRs are primarily responsible for our sense of smell, taste, and vision.  The binding of a sensory stimulus activates GPCR to stimulate effector proteins, many of which are ion channels in the sensory organs. GPCRs modulate the opening and closing of the target ion channels either directly by binding them, or by releasing second messengers that activate these channels. As ions move across the membrane, the membrane potential is altered, which induces an appropriate response.
    Sensory organs,...
    Mechanically-gated Ion Channels01:12

    Mechanically-gated Ion Channels

    Mechanically-gated ion channels are proteins found in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell membranes that open in response to mechanical stress. Tension, compression, swelling, and shear stress can alter the conformation of the protein, opening a transmembrane channel that allows the passage of ions for signal transmission. In eukaryotes, mechanically-gated channels are distributed in several regions like the neurons, lungs, skin, bladder, and heart, where they play critical roles in numerous...
    Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism01:30

    Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism

    Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...
    Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors01:27

    Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors

    Enzyme-linked receptors are cell-surface receptors acting as an enzyme or associating with an enzyme intracellularly. They make excellent drug targets. Drugs can bind to the extracellular ligand-binding domain or directly affect their enzymatic domain and alter their activity.
    Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
    Enzyme-linked Receptors01:00

    Enzyme-linked Receptors

    Enzyme-linked receptors are proteins that act as both receptor and enzyme, activating multiple intracellular signals. This is a large group of receptors that include the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family. Many growth factors and hormones bind to and activate the RTKs.
    Neurotrophin (NT) receptors are a family of RTKs, including trkA, trkB, and trkC (tropomyosin-related kinase) receptors. TrkA is specific for nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-6, and neurotrophin-7. TrkB binds...