Transient receptor potential channel

Transient receptor potential channels (TRP channels) are a group of ion channels located mostly on the plasma membrane of numerous animal cells. These channels are known for their wide variety of functions, including the sensation of different stimuli such as temperature, pressure, and chemicals.

Structure

TRP channels are composed of six transmembrane domains with a pore loop, a coiled-coil domain, and variable amino-terminal and carboxy-terminal domains. TRP channels are found in most cell types and are believed to be largely responsible for a wide variety of cellular responses to environmental stressors.

Function

TRP channels are involved in many different types of sensory perception. For example, they play a role in the sensation of pain, heat, cold, pressure, taste, and vision. In addition, TRP channels are involved in the regulation of cell growth and proliferation, and they have a significant role in the responses of the central nervous system to a wide variety of stimuli.

Classification

TRP channels are classified into seven subfamilies: TRPC (Canonical), TRPV (Vanilloid), TRPM (Melastatin), TRPP (Polycystin), TRPML (Mucolipin), TRPA (Ankyrin), and TRPN (NOMPC). Each of these subfamilies contains multiple different types of TRP channels, each with its own specific function and role within the cell.

Clinical significance

Mutations in TRP channels have been associated with several diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Therefore, these channels are considered potential targets for the development of new drug therapies.

See also

• Ion channel
• Cell membrane
• Sensory perception

References

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