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Understanding thermosensitive transient receptor potential channels as versatile polymodal cellular sensors
Jacob K Hilton1, Parthasarathi Rath1, Cole V M Helsell1
1†Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Magnetic Resonance Research Center, and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Arizona State University, 551 East University Drive, PSG-106, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States.
Biochemistry
|March 27, 2015
Summary
Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels integrate cellular signals and sense diverse inputs like temperature. Their complex modulation, especially thermosensing, is crucial for physiology and pathophysiology.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Cell signaling
- Ion channel function
Background:
- Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels are crucial eukaryotic polymodal sensors.
- They integrate diverse cellular signals including temperature, pH, and voltage.
- TRP channels mediate signal transduction via nonselective cation passage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the roles of thermosensitive TRP channels in physiology and pathophysiology.
- To provide a framework for understanding TRP channel modulation complexity.
- To explore structural, biochemical, biophysical, and computational perspectives on TRP channel function.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on thermosensitive TRP channels.
- Analysis of structural, biochemical, and biophysical data.
- Integration of computational modeling insights.
Main Results:
- Thermosensitive TRP channels play significant roles beyond sensory biology.
- Complex functional behavior arises from sensitivity to diverse signal inputs.
- Emerging consensus on TRP channel function is developing.
Conclusions:
- TRP channels are vital signal integrators with broad physiological relevance.
- Understanding TRP channel thermosensing is key to unraveling their complexity.
- Multidisciplinary approaches are essential for a coherent understanding of TRP channels.
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