TRP Channels

Transient receptor potential channels (TRP) are non-selective calcium permeant cation channel located mostly on the plasma membrane of numerous animal cell types. They are involved in osmotic sensitivity and mechano-sensitivity. The exposure to hypotonicity within the physiological range induces some TRP channels activation exhibiting an outward rectification. TRP channels can also be activated by heat, low pH, citrate and phorbol esters. The increase of intracellular Ca²⁺ potentiates TRP channel currents. TRP Channels play an obligatory role as a molecular component in the nonselective cation channel activation induced by 4-alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate and hypotonic stimulation in synoviocytes and also regulates production of IL-8.

Here at Creative Bioarray, we performed drug target screening analysis using novel fluorescent dyes, such as fluo-4 AM dye, we have completed implementation of high throughput screening for several TRP channels, including TRPC and TRPV channels. Other TRP channels target screening can also be obtained in Creative Bioarray.

Fig. 1 Electrophysiological recording of TRPM2 activation in isolated phagosomes

There are about 28 TRP channels sharing some structural similarity to each other. TRPs mediate a variety of sensations including pain, extreme temperatures, taste and vision and are activated by a broad range of molecules including allicin, capsaicin and menthol. In the body, some TRP channels are thought to behave like microscopic thermometers and used in animals to sense hot or cold. Some TRP channels are activated by molecules found in spices like garlic (allicin), chilli pepper (capsaicin), wasabi (allyl isothiocyanate); others are activated by menthol, camphor, peppermint, and cooling agents; yet others are activated by molecules found in cannabis (i.e., THC, CBD and CBN) or stevia. Some act as sensors of osmotic pressure, volume, stretch, and vibration.

TRP channels can be sub-divided into 6 families:

• TRPC (canonical)

• TRPA (ankyrin)

• TRPV (vanilloid)

• TRPM (melastatin)

• TRPP (polycystic)

• TRPML (mucolipin)

Reference

1. Di A, et al. Role of the phagosomal redox-sensitive TRP channel TRPM2 in regulating bactericidal activity of macrophages. J Cell Sci. 2017; 130: 735–744.

Related Section

• Calcium Channels
• 5-HT3 receptors
• Sodium Channels
• GABAa Receptors
• Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors