Transient receptor potential canonical 4 channel (TRPC4)

Transient receptor potential canonical 4 channel (TRPC4) is a non-selective, calcium-permeable cation channel of the TRP superfamily encoded by the *TRPC4* gene. It forms homo- or heterotetrameric assemblies (e.g., with TRPC1) and is activated by receptor-coupled signaling pathways (especially Gq- and Gi-coupled receptors) as well as tyrosine kinases. TRPC4 plays key physiological roles in calcium signaling, neuronal excitability, neurotransmitter release, vascular tone, and cell proliferation. It is highly expressed in corticolimbic brain regions and endothelial cells and is implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders, epilepsy, cardiovascular regulation, and cancer biology. Experimentally, several small-molecule inhibitors and endogenous proteins (such as calmodulin) modulate TRPC4 activity, making it a potential therapeutic target in multiple disease contexts[1][3][4][5][7].

Other names

Short transient receptor potential channel 4TRP-related protein 4TRPC4Canonical TRP channel 4

Inhibition of channel activity (e.g., pyridazinone-based inhibitors block Ca²⁺ influx)[5]; Modulation via protein–protein interactions (e.g., CaM binding alters gating)[5]; Activation via receptor-operated (G-protein-coupled) or store-operated mechanisms