TRP channels and the control of vascular function

Mammalian TRP channels are grouped into six subfamilies (TRPC, TRPM, TRPV, TRPA, TRPP, and TRPML) based on the homology of the amino acid sequence. They are nonselective cation-permeable channels, most of which are permeable for Ca(2+). Growing evidence demonstrates important roles of TRP channel in controlling vascular function including endothelial permeability, responses to oxidative stress, myogenic tone, cellular proliferative activity, and thermoregulation. TRP channels are activated by a variety of stimuli, including calcium store depletion, mechanical perturbations, receptor activation, and changes in temperature and osmolarity. This diversity of activating mechanisms could be consistent with the potential multiple functions of the TRP superfamily. This review summarizes the burgeoning understanding of these cation channels in the control of vascular function.