TRPM4 keeps up the pace
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Updated: Nov 9, 2025

Yeast Luminometric and Xenopus Oocyte Electrophysiological Examinations of the Molecular Mechanosensitivity of TRPV4
Published on: December 31, 2013
Wojciech Ambroziak1, Jan Siemens1
1Department of Pharmacology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany.
Abstract:
The study by Li et al., provides a detailed pharmacological characterization of the ionic mechanisms that underlie rhythmic activity of retrotrapezoid nucleus neurons that control breathing. Specifically, the authors demonstrate a role of the transient receptor potential melastatin 4 (TRPM4) ion channel in the generation of subthreshold excitatory oscillations. Additionally, they propose that the ion channel contributes to tonic action potential (AP) firing - referred to as "pacemaking" - of these brainstem neurons with relevance for respiratory breathing and homeostasis in vivo.
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