Transient Receptor Potential Channels and Signal Transduction
TRP通道与信号转导

TRP (transient receptor potential) channels are widely distributed in the body including both peripheral and central nervous systems. To date, more than 30 members of TRP family have been cloned in mammalian and classified into seven subgroups. TRP channels are calcium permeable non-selective cation channels associated with six-transmembrane domains. They have cytoplasmic N- and C-termini and a pore region between TM5 and TM6. TRP channels can be modulated by a variety of factors including temperature, osmotic pressure, pH, mechanical stress, some exogenous and endogenous ligands as well as intracellular signaling molecules. Up to now, the best-characterized function of TRP channels is their roles in sensory transmission. Other proposed functions include modulation of intracellular Ca2 homeostasis and development.