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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Function and pharmacology of TRPM cation channels.

The physiological function and cellular role of some members of the TRPM family are poorly understood and still mysterious. Melastatin, the founding member of the TRPM group, is the most prominent example of the mysteries involved in understanding TRP channel function. Melastatin or TRPM1 was first cloned in 1998 and since then it has been suggested that it functions as a tumor suppressor protein in melanocytes. On the other hand, TRPM8 and TRPA1 have been described as cold receptors, TRPM4 and TRPM5 as calcium-activated nonselective cation channels, TRPM6 and TRPM7 as magnesium-permeable and magnesium-modulated cation channels, TRPM2 as an ADP-ribose-activated channel of macrophages, and TRPM3 as a hypo-osmolarity- and sphingosine-activated channel. There are many unsolved questions and many studies have to be performed to understand the overall function of the TRPM family. In addition to electrophysiological recordings and biochemical characterization, the use of compounds modulating TRPM channel function has often been helpful to study TRPM channels in a cellular context. Therefore, the review will summarize the known functions, activation mechanisms, and pharmacological modulations of the TRPM channels.

Animals↗

Tissue distribution profiles of the human TRPM cation channel family.

Eight members of the TRP-melastatin (TRPM) subfamily have been identified, whose physiological functions and distribution are poorly characterized. Although tissue expression and distribution patterns have been reported for individual TRPM channels, comparisons between individual studies are not possible because of variations in analysis techniques and tissue selection. We report here a comparative analysis of the expression patterns of all of the human TRPM channels in selected peripheral tissues and the central nervous system (CNS) using two distinct but complimentary approaches: TaqMan and SYBR Green real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). These techniques generated comparative distribution profiles and demonstrated tissue-specific co-expression of TRPM mRNA species, indicating significant potential for the formation of heteromeric channels. TRPM channels 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 in contrast to 1, 3, and 8 are widely distributed in the CNS and periphery. The tissues demonstrating highest expression for individual family members were brain (TRPM1), brain and bone marrow (TRPM2), brain and pituitary (TRPM3), intestine and prostate (TRPM4), intestine, pancreas, and prostate (TRPM5), intestine and brain (TRPM6), heart, pituitary, bone, and adipose tissue (TRPM7), and prostate and liver (TRPM8). The data reported here will guide the elucidation of TRPM channel physiological functions.

Base Sequence↗

The TRPM cation channels in the immune context.

The molecular identification of novel ion channels expressed in the immune context provides very attractive potential targets for new therapeutic drugs designed to modulate immune system function. Several members of the recently discovered TRPM family of cation channels are expressed in immune cells. The TRPM channels show an astonishing diversity regarding their gating mechanisms and permeability profiles. First functional studies demonstrate that this diversity correlates with the range of potential biological processes TRPM channels might be involved in. Even though this field of research is still in its infancy, new insights into the regulation of ion homeostasis in immune cells start to emerge. An overview of the current knowledge about the TRPM family members in general, and in the immune context in particular, will be given throughout this review.

Animals↗

The promotion of gonadal cell divisions by the Caenorhabditis elegans TRPM cation channel GON-2 is antagonized by GEM-4 copine.

The initiation of postembryonic cell divisions by the gonadal precursors of C. elegans requires the activity of gon-2. gon-2 encodes a predicted cation channel (GON-2) of the TRPM subfamily of TRP proteins and is likely to mediate the influx of Ca(2+) and/or Mg(2+). We report here that mutations in gem-4 (gon-2 extragenic modifier) are capable of suppressing loss-of-function alleles of gon-2. gem-4 encodes a member of the copine family of Ca(2+)-dependent phosphatidylserine binding proteins. Overall, our data indicate that GEM-4 antagonizes GON-2. This antagonism could be mediated by a direct inhibition of GON-2 by GEM-4, since both proteins are predicted to be localized to the plasma membrane. Alternatively, GEM-4 could affect GON-2 activity levels by either promoting endocytosis or inhibiting exocytosis of vesicles that carry GON-2. It is also possible that GEM-4 and GON-2 act in parallel to each other. Mutation of gem-4 does not suppress the gonadal defects produced by inactivation of gon-4, suggesting that gon-4 either acts downstream of gem-4 and gon-2 or acts in a parallel regulatory pathway.

Alleles↗

Homo- and heteromeric assembly of TRP channel subunits.

Mammalian homologues of the Drosophila melanogaster transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are the second largest cation channel family within the superfamily of hexahelical cation channels. Most mammalian TRP channels function as homooligomers and mediate mono- or divalent cation entry upon activation by a variety of stimuli. Because native TRP channels may be multimeric proteins of possibly complex composition, it is difficult to compare cation conductances in native tissues to those of clearly defined homomeric TRP channel complexes in living cells. Therefore, the possibility of heteromeric TRP channel assembly has been investigated in recent years by several groups. As a major conclusion of these studies, most heteromeric TRP channel complexes appear to consist of subunit combinations only within relatively narrow confines of phylogenetic subfamilies. Although the general capability of heteromer formation between closely related TRP channel subunits is now clearly established, we are only beginning to understand whether these heteromeric complexes are of physiological significance. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the promiscuity and specificity of the assembly of channel complexes composed of TRPC-, TRPV- and TRPM-subunits of mammalian TRP channels.

Animals↗

TRP channels in disease.

The mammalian TRP (transient receptor potential) family consists of six main subfamilies termed the TRPC (canonical), TRPV (vanilloid), TRPM (melastatin), TRPP (polycystin), TRPML (mucolipin), and TRPA (ankyrin) groups. These subfamilies encompass 28 ion channels that function as diverse cellular sensors. All of the channels are permeable to monovalent cations, and most are also permeable to Ca(2+). There are strong indications that TRP channels are involved in many diseases. At this point, four channelopathies have been identified in which a defect in a TRP channel-encoding gene is the direct cause of disease. TRPs are also involved in some systemic diseases because of their role as receptors for irritants, inflammation products, and xenobiotic toxins. Other indications of the involvement of TRPs in several diseases come from correlations between the levels of channel expression and disease symptoms or from the mapping of TRP-encoding genes to susceptible chromosome regions. Finally, the phenotypes of TRP knockout mice and other transgenic models allow a degree of extrapolation to human diseases. We present an overview of current knowledge about the role of TRP channels in human disease and highlight some TRP "suspects" for which a role in disease can be anticipated. An understanding of the genetics of disease may lead to the development of targeted new therapies.

Animals↗

Transient receptor potential channels in endothelium: solving the calcium entry puzzle?

Many endothelial cell (EC) functions depend on influx of extracellular Ca2+, which is triggered by a variety of mechanical and chemical signals. Here, we discuss possible pathways for this Ca2+ entry. The superfamily of cation channels derived from the "transient receptor potential" (TRP) channels is introduced. Several members of this family are expressed in ECs, and they provide pathways for Ca2+ entry. All TRP subfamilies may contribute to the Ca2+ entry channels or to the regulation of Ca2+ entry in EC. Members of Ca2+ entry channels in endothelium probably belong to the canonical TRP subfamily, TRPC. All TRPC1-6 have been discussed as Ca2+ entry channels that might be store-operated and/or receptor-operated. More importantly, knockout models of TRPC4 have proven that this channel is functionally involved in the regulation of endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation and in the control of EC barrier function. TRPC1 might be an important candidate for involvement of endothelial growth factors. TRPC3 is unequivocally important for a sustained EC Ca2+ entry. ECs express different patterns of TRPCs, which may increase the variability of TRPC channel function by formation of different multiheteromers. Among the two other TRP subfamilies, TRPMV and TRPM, at least TRPV4 and TRPM4 are EC channels. TRPV4 is a Ca2+ entry channel that is activated by an increase in cell volume, which might be involved in mechano-sensing, by an increase in temperature, and perhaps by ligand-activation. TRPM4 is a nonselective cation channel, which is not Ca2+ permeable. It is probably modulated by NO and might be essential for regulating the inward driving force for Ca2+ entry. Possible modes of TRP channel regulation are described, involving (a) activation via the phospholipase (PL)Cbeta and PLC-gamma pathways; (b) activation by lipids (diacylglycerol [DAG], arachidonic acid); (c) Ca2+ depletion of Ca2+ stores in the endoplasmic reticulum; (d) shear stress; and (e) radicals.

Animals↗

Multiple roles of calmodulin and other Ca(2+)-binding proteins in the functional regulation of TRP channels.

Transient receptor potential channels (TRP) have emerged as cellular sensors of various internal and external cues. Generally, the activation of TRP canonical (TRPC) channels is triggered by the stimulation of phospholipase C; however, multiple factors are involved in the regulation of these channels. Among them, Ca(2+)-mediated feedback channel modulations are often mediated by calmodulin (CaM) and other Ca(2+)-binding proteins. In vitro binding studies have revealed multiple CaM-binding sites on TRPC proteins. Among them, a common CaM/inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor-binding site is found at the carboxyl terminus of every TRPC isoform. Additional non-conserved CaM-binding sites are present at the amino and carboxyl termini of several TRPC proteins. Likewise, multiple CaM-binding sites were found in other TRP proteins. These, together with the presence in close vicinity of the interaction sites for the related neuronal Ca(2+)-binding proteins, such as CaBP1, suggest a multitude of diverse intracellular Ca(2+)-dependent regulations of TRP channels. Functional studies have begun to reveal the unique roles of CaM and CaBP1 binding to several TRP channels. This review will focus on the CaM- and CaBP1-mediated regulations of TRPC channels. Related studies on TRPM and TRPV channels will also be highlighted.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Regulation of TRP channels: a voltage-lipid connection.

TRP (transient receptor potential) channels respond to a plethora of stimuli in a fine-tuned manner. We show here that both membrane potential and the level of PI (phosphatidylinositol) phosphates are efficient regulators of TRP channel gating. Recent work has shown that this regulation applies to several members of the TRPV (TRP vanilloid) subfamily (TRPV1 and TRPV5) and the TRPM (TRP melastatin) subfamily (TRPM4/TRPM5/TRPM7/TRPM8), whereas regulation of members of the TRPC subfamily is still disputed. The mechanism whereby PIP(2) (PI 4,5-bisphosphate) acts on TRPM4, a Ca(2+)- and voltage-activated channel, is shown in detail in this paper: (i) PIP(2) may bind directly to the channel, (ii) PIP(2) induces sensitization to activation by Ca(2+), and (iii) PIP(2) shifts the voltage dependence towards negative and physiologically more meaningful potentials. A PIP(2)-binding pocket seems to comprise a part of the TRP domain and especially pleckstrin homology domains in the C-terminus.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Distinct expression of TRPM8, TRPA1, and TRPV1 mRNAs in rat primary afferent neurons with adelta/c-fibers and colocalization with trk receptors.

The transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily of cation channels contains four temperature-sensitive channels, named TRPV1-4, that are activated by heat stimuli from warm to that in the noxious range. Recently, two other members of this superfamily, TRPA1 and TRPM8, have been cloned and characterized as possible candidates for cold transducers in primary afferent neurons. Using in situ hybridization histochemistry and immunohistochemistry, we characterized the precise distribution of TRPA1, TRPM8, and TRPV1 mRNAs in the rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons. In the DRG, TRPM8 mRNA was not expressed in the TRPV1-expressing neuronal population, whereas TRPA1 mRNA was only seen in some neurons in this population. Both A-fiber and C-fiber neurons expressed TRPM8, whereas TRPV1 was almost exclusively seen in C-fiber neurons. All TRPM8-expressing neurons also expressed TrkA, whereas the expression of TRPV1 and TRPA1 was independent of TrkA expression. None of these three TRP channels were coexpressed with TrkB or TrkC. The TRPM8-expressing neurons were more abundant in the TG compared with the DRG, especially in the mandibular nerve region innervating the tongue. Our data suggest heterogeneity of TRPM8 and TRPA1 expression by subpopulations of primary afferent neurons, which may result in the difference of cold-sensitive primary afferent neurons in sensitivity to chemicals such as menthol and capsaicin and nerve growth factor.

Animals↗

Molecular cloning of a novel putative Ca2+ channel protein (TRPC7) highly expressed in brain.

We have isolated cDNA clones for a novel human protein, TRPC7 (transient receptor potential-related channels), which consists of 1503 amino acid residues from the fetal brain and caudate nucleus cDNA libraries. Northern blot analysis indicated that the TRPC7 gene is highly expressed as a 6.5-kb transcript in brain. The TRPC7 protein has significant homology with Caenorhabditis elegans hypothetical proteins T01H8.5, C05C12.3, and F54D1.5 and with Drosophila and human transient receptor potential (trp) proteins. The TRPC7 protein has seven putative transmembrane domains that probably constitute a Ca2+ channel as in the above-mentioned proteins. Genomic sequencing revealed that the TRPC7 gene consists of 32 exons spanning approximately 90 kb. The TRPC7 gene was mapped between D21S400 and D21S171 on human chromosome 21q22.3, 14 kb distal to a NotI site in D21S400. This novel TRPC7 gene could be a candidate gene for genetic disorders such as bipolar affective disorder, nonsyndromic hereditary deafness, Knobloch syndrome, and holoprosencephaly, which were mapped to this region.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Mtr1, a novel biallelically expressed gene in the center of the mouse distal chromosome 7 imprinting cluster, is a member of the Trp gene family.

We recently described a novel putative Ca(2+) channel gene, MTR1, which shows a high level of homology to the human TRPC7 gene and the melastatin 1 (MLSN1) gene, another Trp (transient receptor potential protein)-related gene whose transcript was found to be downregulated in metastatic melanomas. It maps to human chromosome band 11p15.5, which is associated with the Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and predisposition to a variety of neoplasias. Here we report the isolation and characterization of the murine orthologue Mtr1. The chromosomal localization on distal chromosome 7 places it in a cluster of imprinted genes, flanked by the previously described Tapa1 and Kcnq1 genes. The Mtr1 gene encodes a 4.4-kb transcript, present in a variety of fetal and adult tissues. The putative open reading frame consists of 24 exons, encoding 1158 amino acids. Transmembrane prediction algorithms indicate the presence of six membrane-spanning domains in the proposed protein. Imprinting analysis, using RT-PCR on RNA from reciprocal mouse crosses harboring a sequence polymorphism, revealed biallelic expression of Mtr1 transcripts at all stages and tissues examined.

Alleles↗

Desensitization of cold- and menthol-sensitive rat dorsal root ganglion neurones by inflammatory mediators.

The interaction between cold sensitivity and inflammation in mammals is not entirely understood. We have used adult rat dorsal root ganglion neurones in primary culture together with calcium microfluorimetry to assess the effects of selected inflammatory mediators on cold responses of cold- and menthol-sensitive (most likely TRPM8-expressing) neurones. We observed a high degree of functional co-expression of TRPM8, the receptors for the inflammatory agents bradykinin, prostaglandin E2 and histamine, and TRPA1 in cultured sensory neurones. Treatment with either bradykinin or prostaglandin E2 led to a reduction in the amplitude of the response to cooling and shifted the threshold temperature to colder values, and we provide evidence for a role of protein kinases C and A, respectively, in mediating these effects. In both cases the effects were mainly restricted to the subgroups of cold- and menthol-sensitive cells which had responded to the application of the inflammatory agents at basal temperature. This desensitization of cold-sensitive neurones may enhance inflammatory pain by removing the analgesic effects of gentle cooling.

Analgesia↗

Expression of TRPC homologs in endothelial cells and smooth muscle layers of human arteries.

TRPC channels are a group of Ca(2+)-permeable nonselective cation channels that mediate store-operated and/or agonist-stimulated Ca(2+) influx in a variety of cell types. In this study, we extensively examined the expression patterns of TRPC homologs in human vascular tissues. RT-PCR amplified cDNA fragments of TRPC1 (505 bp), TRPC3 (372 bp), TRPC4 (499 bp), TRPC5 (325 bp), TRPC6 (509 bp), and TRPC7 (187 bp) from RNA isolated from cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells. In situ hybridization yielded strong labeling of TRPC1,3-6 in the endothelial and smooth muscle cells of human coronary and cerebral arteries. TRPC7 labeling was exclusively found in endothelial cells but not in smooth muscle cells. Results from immunohistochemical staining were consistent with those from in situ hybridization. Similar expression patterns of TRPC homologs were also observed in arterioles and vaso vasora. In conclusion, our study indicates that TRPC homologs are widely expressed in human vessels of all calibers, including medium-sized coronary arteries and cerebral arteries, smaller-sized resistance arteries, and vaso vasora. These results suggest a ubiquitous role of TRPC homologs in regulating blood supply to different regions and in controlling arterial blood pressure.

Adolescent↗

TRP channels and mice deficient in TRP channels.

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are a superfamily of functionally versatile cation-permeant ion channels present in almost all mammalian cell types. Although they were initially proposed as store-operated calcium channels, recent progress shows that they exhibit a variety of regulatory and functional themes. Here, we summarize the most salient features of TRP channels, the approaches that are providing meaningful discoveries, and the challenges ahead. We primarily emphasize the understanding gleaned from mouse models engineered to be deficient in various members of TRP superfamily and from the human patients that suffer clinically due to defects in TRP channels.

Animals↗

ThermoTRP channels and cold sensing: what are they really up to?

Cooling is sensed by peripheral thermoreceptors, the main transduction mechanism of which is probably a cold- and menthol-activated ion channel, transient receptor potential (melastatin)-8 (TRPM8). Stronger cooling also activates another TRP channel, TRP (ankyrin-like)-1, (TRPA1), which has been suggested to underlie cold nociception. This review examines the roles of these two channels and other mechanisms in thermal transduction. TRPM8 is activated directly by gentle cooling and depolarises sensory neurones; its threshold temperature (normally approximately 26-31 degrees C in native neurones) is very flexible and it can adapt to long-term variations in baseline temperature to sensitively detect small temperature changes. This modulation is enabled by TRPM8's low intrinsic thermal sensitivity: it is sensitised to varying degrees by its cellular context. TRPM8 is not the only thermosensitive element in cold receptors and interacts with other ionic currents to shape cold receptor activity. Cold can also cause pain: the transduction mechanism is uncertain, possibly involving TRPM8 in some neurones, but another candidate is TRPA1 which is activated in expression systems by strong cooling. However, native neurones that appear to express TRPA1 respond very slowly to cold, and TRPA1 alone cannot account readily for cold nociceptor activity or cold pain in humans. Other, as yet unknown, mechanisms of cold nociception are likely.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Icilin evokes a dose- and time-dependent increase in glutamate within the dorsal striatum of rats.

Icilin, the peripheral cold channel agonist, activates TRPM8 and TRPA1, localized on dorsal root ganglia and trigeminal neurons in rats. Icilin precipitates immediate wet-dog shakes in this species, which are antagonized by centrally acting mu and kappa opioid agonists, implicating the central nervous system in the behavioral response. We studied the effect icilin has on glutamate levels in the dorsal striatum, a brain region involved in movement. Icilin (0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 mg/kg, i.p.) elicited a dose- and time-dependent increase in glutamate within the striatum, indicative of icilin's neurochemical effect in rats.

Animals↗

TRP channels and Ca2+ signaling.

There is a rapidly growing interest in the family of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels because TRP channels are not only important for many sensory systems, but they are crucial components of the function of neurons, epithelial, blood and smooth muscle cells. These facts make TRP channels important targets for treatment of diseases arising from the malfunction of these channels in the above cells and for treatment of inflammatory pain. TRP channels are also important for a growing number of genetic diseases arising from mutations in various types of TRP channels. The Minerva-Gentner Symposium on TRP channels and Ca(2+) signaling, which took place in Eilat, Israel (February 24-28, 2006) has clearly demonstrated that the study of TRP channels is a newly emerging field of biomedicine with prime importance. In the Eilat symposium, investigators who have contributed seminal publications and insight into the TRP field presented their most recent, and in many cases still unpublished, studies. The excellent presentations and excitement generated by them demonstrated that much progress has been achieved. Nevertheless, it was also evident that the field of TRP channels is still in its infancy in comparison to other fields of ion channels, and even the fundamental knowledge of the gating mechanism of TRP channels is still unsolved. The beautiful location of the symposium, together with informal intensive discussions among the participants, contributed to the success of this meeting.

Animals↗