Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Routine Collection of High-Resolution cryo-EM Datasets Using 200 KV Transmission Electron Microscope
09:49

Routine Collection of High-Resolution cryo-EM Datasets Using 200 KV Transmission Electron Microscope

Published on: March 16, 2022

5.9K

Cryo-EM structure of TRPC5 at 2.8-Å resolution reveals unique and conserved structural elements essential for channel

Jingjing Duan1,2,3, Jian Li4,5, Gui-Lan Chen6,7

  • 1Human Aging Research Institute (HARI), School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China.

Science Advances
|July 30, 2019
PubMed

Insights

We determined the high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structure of the mouse TRPC5 (transient receptor potential canonical subfamily member 5) channel. This reveals key structural differences and provides insights into TRPC5 ion channel function and gating.

Area of Science:

  • Structural biology
  • Ion channel biophysics
  • Molecular pharmacology

Background:

  • Transient receptor potential canonical subfamily member 5 (TRPC5) is a calcium-permeant cation channel.
  • TRPC5 is a significant drug target for progressive kidney disease, depression, and anxiety.
  • Understanding TRPC5 structure is crucial for developing targeted therapeutics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the high-resolution structure of the mouse TRPC5 (mTRPC5) homotetramer.
  • To identify structural differences between TRPC5 and other TRP channels.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms of lipid modulation and gating in TRPC channels.

Main Methods:

  • Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) at 2.8-Å resolution
  • Electrophysiology
  • Site-directed mutagenesis

Main Results:

  • The 2.8-Å resolution cryo-EM structure of the mTRPC5 homotetramer was determined.
  • Structural comparisons revealed distinct extracellular pore domain features and S3 helix lengths in TRPC5.
  • A disulfide bond and adjacent loop on the extracellular pore are critical for mTRPC5 function.

Conclusions:

  • The high-resolution mTRPC5 structure offers critical insights into ion channel architecture.
  • Structural findings illuminate TRPC5's role in lipid modulation and gating mechanisms.
  • This work provides a foundation for TRPC5-targeted drug development.

More Related Videos

Preparation of High-Temperature Sample Grids for Cryo-EM05:05

Preparation of High-Temperature Sample Grids for Cryo-EM

Published on: July 26, 2021

4.2K
Reconstitution of a Kv Channel into Lipid Membranes for Structural and Functional Studies10:22

Reconstitution of a Kv Channel into Lipid Membranes for Structural and Functional Studies

Published on: July 13, 2013

19.9K

Related Concept Videos

Structural Protein Function01:56

Structural Protein Function

Structural proteins are a category of proteins responsible for functions ranging from cell shape and movement to providing support to major structures such as bones, cartilage, hair, and muscles. This group includes proteins such as collagen, actin, myosin, and keratin.
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity.  In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to...
29.8K
Structural Protein Function01:56

Structural Protein Function

3.2K
Fruit Development, Structure, and Function01:58

Fruit Development, Structure, and Function

Fruits form from a mature flower ovary. As seeds develop from the ovules contained within, the ovary wall undergoes a series of complex changes to form fruit. In some fruits, such as soybeans, the ovary wall dries; in other fruits, such as grapes, it remains fleshy. In some cases, organs other than the ovary contribute to fruit formation; such fruits are called accessory fruits.
25.0K
Additional Subnuclear Structures02:10

Additional Subnuclear Structures

The eukaryotic nucleus is a double membrane-bound organelle that contains nearly all of the cell’s genetic material in the form of chromosomes. It is rightly called the “brain” of the cell as it shoulders the responsibility of responding to various physiological processes, stress, altered metabolic conditions, and other cellular signals. 
The nucleus contains many membrane-less subnuclear organelles or nuclear bodies, such as nucleoli, Cajal bodies, speckles,...
5.3K
Structure and Function of Erythrocytes01:29

Structure and Function of Erythrocytes

There are between 4.2 and 6 million erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells, in every microliter of blood. These cells are small, flattened biconcave discs with centers that are depressed.
The erythrocyte plasma membrane is associated with proteins such as spectrin, which forms a flexible cytoplasmic meshwork. This meshwork allows erythrocytes to twist, turn, become cup-shaped, and regain their biconcave shape as they pass through narrow capillaries. Additionally, erythrocytes can form...
5.1K
Structure and Function of Platelets01:18

Structure and Function of Platelets

The cell fragments known as platelets are disc-shaped, with an average diameter of about 3 μm and a thickness of roughly 1 μm. They play a crucial role in the body's vascular clotting system, which also involves plasma proteins, blood cells, and blood vessel tissues.
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000...
3.0K