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TRP channels in thermosensation
Makiko Kashio1, Makoto Tominaga2
1Division of Cell Signaling, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Japan; Thermal Biology Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Japan; Department of Physiological Sciences, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Okazaki, Japan.
Current Opinion in Neurobiology
|June 21, 2022
Summary
This review explores thermosensitive transient receptor potential ion channels (thermo-TRPs) in somatosensory neurons. It details their role in converting temperature information into neural signals for the central nervous system.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Sensory Physiology
Background:
- Somatosensory neurons detect external temperature, converting it into neural activity via afferent input to the central nervous system.
- Specialized gene expression, including thermosensitive transient receptor potential ion channels (thermo-TRPs), characterizes different somatosensory neuron populations.
- Thermo-TRPs are crucial for thermal transduction at peripheral nerve endings, operating across a broad temperature spectrum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the roles of specific thermo-TRPs expressed in sensory neurons.
- To discuss thermo-TRPs found in non-neuronal cells involved in somatosensation.
- To highlight the involvement of certain thermo-TRPs in central nervous system thermosensation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on thermosensitive transient receptor potential ion channels (thermo-TRPs).
- Analysis of gene expression patterns in somatosensory neurons and non-neuronal cells.
- Examination of the functional roles of identified thermo-TRPs in thermal transduction and thermosensation.
Main Results:
- Identified key thermo-TRPs in sensory neurons: TRPV1, TRPV4, TRPM2, TRPM3, TRPM8, TRPC5, and TRPA1.
- Discussed TRPV3, TRPV4, and TRPC5 in non-neuronal somatosensation.
- Highlighted TRPM2 and TRPM8 roles in brain-based thermosensation.
Conclusions:
- Thermo-TRPs are essential molecular players in somatosensory temperature detection.
- Diverse thermo-TRP expression across neuronal and non-neuronal cells contributes to complex thermal sensing.
- Further research into these channels can elucidate mechanisms of thermosensation.
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