Transient Receptor Potential Channels (TRP channels)

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are a large and diverse family of cation-permeable ion channels that function as cellular sensors, responding to a wide range of physical and chemical stimuli. They play critical roles in sensory physiology, including temperature sensation, pain perception, osmoregulation, taste, vision, and more. They are composed of six membrane-spanning helices with intracellular N- and C-termini and form homo- or heterotetramers. Mammalian TRP channels are divided into seven main subfamilies: TRPA, TRPC, TRPM, TRPML, TRPN, TRPP, and TRPV. They act as signal transducers by altering membrane potential or intracellular calcium concentration upon activation and are widely expressed across tissues. Dysfunction or aberrant regulation is implicated in various diseases, making them attractive drug targets, but challenges remain due to their complex gating mechanisms and widespread expression patterns.

Other names

TRP channel proteins

Modulation of ion channel activity, altering membrane potential or intracellular calcium concentration.