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Updated: Jun 29, 2026

Single-Cell Calcium Imaging for Studying the Activation of Calcium Ion Channels
Published on: December 13, 2024
Mechanism of Ca(2+)-dependent desensitization in TRP channels
Ariela Gordon-Shaag1, William N Zagotta, Sharona E Gordon
1Department of Optometry and Vision Science, Hadassah College, Jerusalem, Israel.
Abstract:
The 30+ members of the family of TRP channels are diverse in their physiological roles, yet the mechanisms that regulate their gating may be conserved. In particular, all TRP channels show an activity-dependent inhibition which is mediated by Ca(2+). The mechanism by which Ca(2+) inhibits TRP channels is currently a matter of intense debate, with Ca(2+)-regulated kinases, phosphatases, phospholipases and calmodulin all proposed to be involved. In this review, we will discuss different mechanisms for Ca(2+)-dependent desensitization in TRP channels. We will conclude with a model that focuses on Ca(2+)-dependent activation of phospholipase C and Ca(2+) binding to calmodulin and propose that the phospholipase C and calmodulin pathways are structurally and functionally coupled.
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