Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
08:39
Purification of Endogenous Drosophila Transient Receptor Potential Channels
Published on: December 28, 2021
An introduction on TRP channels
1Experimentelle und Klinische Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universität des Saarlandes, 66421 Homburg, Germany. veit.flockerzi@uniklinikum-saarland.de
Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology
|January 16, 2007
Summary
Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels, crucial in fruit fly vision, are a diverse group in mammals. These channels regulate various physiological processes, including sensation, ion absorption, and behavior.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Molecular Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels are named after their function in Drosophila phototransduction.
- Mammalian TRP channels comprise at least 28 gene-encoded subunits.
- These channels exhibit diverse selectivities and activation mechanisms, some novel.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the diverse roles and mechanisms of mammalian TRP ion channels.
- To highlight the broad physiological significance of TRP channels.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on TRP channels.
- Analysis of genetic and functional data for mammalian TRP channel subunits.
Main Results:
- Mammalian TRP channels are encoded by at least 28 genes.
- TRP channels display varied ion selectivities and activation pathways.
- Biological functions span thermosensation, pain, ion transport, and behavior.
Conclusions:
- TRP ion channels are fundamental to a wide array of physiological functions in mammals.
- The diversity of TRP channels suggests broad therapeutic potential.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:43Thermosensation
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...
01:21G-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,...
Sensory organs,...
01:12Mechanically-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...
01:12Mechanically-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...
01:21Repressible Operon: trp Operon
The trp operon in Escherichia coli exemplifies a repressible operon. It regulates the synthesis of tryptophan through repressor-mediated transcriptional control and attenuation. This dual regulatory mechanism ensures tryptophan biosynthesis occurs only when needed, conserving cellular resources.Structure of the trp OperonThe trp operon consists of five structural genes (trpE, trpD, trpC, trpB, and trpA) that encode enzymes for tryptophan biosynthesis. These genes are transcribed as a single...
01:26Receptor Tyrosine Kinases
Receptor tyrosine kinases or RTKs are membrane-bound receptors that phosphorylate specific tyrosine on protein substrates. RTKs regulate cellular growth, differentiation, survival, and migration. They contain an extracellular ligand binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and a cytosolic tail with intrinsic kinase activity. Several extracellular signaling molecules activate RTKs in one or more ways and relay the signal downstream. Ligands such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) or...