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Published on: December 31, 2013
Hypoosmotic- and pressure-induced membrane stretch activate TRPC5 channels
Ana Gomis1, Sergio Soriano, Carlos Belmonte
1Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Miguel Hernández. Av. Ramón y Cajal s/n. 03550 Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante, Spain. agomis@umh.es
Transient receptor potential channel TRPC5 acts as an osmosensor, detecting changes in cell volume. This calcium channel is activated by osmotic pressure and membrane stretch, suggesting a role in sensory functions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are crucial for diverse sensory functions.
- TRPC5, a TRP channel, is widely expressed in the nervous system but its osmosensory role is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of TRPC5 as a potential osmosensory protein.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying TRPC5 activation by osmotic stimuli.
Main Methods:
- Whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology to measure calcium influx.
- Application of hypoosmotic solutions and positive pressure to induce membrane stretch.
- Pharmacological inhibition using GsMTx-4.
- Manipulation of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) levels.
Main Results:
- Hypoosmotic stimulation activates TRPC5 channels, leading to significant calcium influx.
- TRPC5 activation by osmotic stretch is independent of phospholipase C but sensitive to PIP2 levels.
- Mechanical stretch, applied via positive pressure, directly activates TRPC5 channels.
- TRPC5 is expressed in sensory neurons, indicating a role in mechanotransduction.
Conclusions:
- TRPC5 functions as a mechanosensitive ion channel that responds to osmotic pressure.
- TRPC5's osmo-mechanical properties and neuronal expression suggest its involvement in sensory transduction.
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