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Quantitative Analysis of Cellular Composition in Advanced Atherosclerotic Lesions of Smooth Muscle Cell Lineage-Tracing Mice
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Published on: February 20, 2019

TRPC channels as prospective targets in atherosclerosis: terra incognita

Guillermo Vazquez1

  • 1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, Ohio 43614, USA. Guillermo.Vazquez@utoledo.edu

Frontiers in Bioscience (Scholar Edition)
|December 29, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Transient Receptor Potential Canonical (TRPC) proteins are crucial in cardiovascular function. TRPC3

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Molecular Medicine
  • Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

  • Transient Receptor Potential Canonical (TRPC) proteins are non-selective cation channels involved in cardiovascular physiology and pathology.
  • TRPCs are implicated in hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, and endothelial dysfunction, conditions linked to atherosclerosis.
  • The specific role of TRPCs in atherosclerosis pathogenesis remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the potential role of TRPC proteins in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
  • To investigate the pathophysiological relevance of TRPC3 in inflammatory signaling and monocyte recruitment in coronary endothelium.
  • To evaluate TRPCs as potential diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing knowledge on TRPCs and cardiovascular pathology.
  • Discussion within the context of cellular and molecular processes of atherogenesis.
  • Analysis of potential limitations and advantages of TRPCs as therapeutic targets.

Main Results:

  • Recent studies highlight an obligatory requirement of TRPC3 in inflammatory signaling and monocyte recruitment to coronary endothelium.
  • This suggests a potential pathophysiological role for TRPC family members in atherogenesis.
  • TRPCs are implicated in key processes underlying atherosclerosis development.

Conclusions:

  • TRPC proteins, particularly TRPC3, show potential pathophysiological relevance in atherogenesis.
  • TRPCs may represent novel targets for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of atherosclerosis.
  • Further investigation is warranted to fully elucidate the role and therapeutic potential of TRPCs in atherosclerosis.

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