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Updated: Nov 29, 2025

Expression and Purification of the Human Lipid-sensitive Cation Channel TRPC3 for Structural Determination by Single-particle Cryo-electron Microscopy
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Expression and Purification of the Human Lipid-sensitive Cation Channel TRPC3 for Structural Determination by Single-particle Cryo-electron Microscopy

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Mechanisms and significance of Ca2+ entry through TRPC channels

Bernadett Bacsa1, Oleksandra Tiapko1, Thomas Stockner2

  • 1Gottfried-Schatz-Research-Center - Biophysics, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6/D04, 8010 Graz, Austria.

Current Opinion in Physiology
|November 19, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are key signaling hubs. This review details recent advances in understanding calcium (Ca2+) signaling mechanisms by TRPC channels, crucial for human health.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Physiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are vital plasma membrane cation channels involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes.
  • Historically, TRP channel research primarily focused on calcium (Ca2+) signaling, but other cellular roles are emerging.
  • Recent structural and methodological advancements have enhanced our understanding of TRP channel functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent discoveries and unresolved questions in the field of TRPC channel research.
  • To provide a concise overview of current mechanistic concepts regarding Ca2+ entry and signaling mediated by TRPC channels.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent findings in TRPC channel research.
  • Analysis of high-resolution structural information on TRPC channel complexes.
  • Evaluation of novel tools for investigating TRPC channel roles in Ca2+ handling.

Main Results:

  • TRPC channels are recognized as significant signaling hubs in human physiopathology.
  • Beyond Ca2+ entry, TRPC proteins exhibit diverse cellular functions.
  • New structural data and research tools are refining our understanding of TRPC-mediated Ca2+ signaling.

Conclusions:

  • TRPC channels play a critical role in cellular Ca2+ homeostasis and signaling.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the multifaceted roles of TRPC channels.
  • Understanding TRPC channel mechanisms is essential for addressing various human diseases.

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