title: Epithelial calcium channels: from identification to function and regulation.
abstract: The epithelial calcium channels TRPV5 and TRPV6 have been studied extensively in the epithelial tissues controlling Ca(2+) homeostasis and exhibit a range of distinctive properties that distinguish them from other transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. These two novel members of the superfamily of TRP channels were cloned from vitamin D-responsive epithelia: kidney, small intestine and placenta, and identified subsequently in tissues like pancreas, bone and prostate. This review addresses the unique properties of these highly Ca(2+)-selective channels and highlights their implications for the process of transepithelial Ca(2+) transport.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cell Physiology, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, University Medical Centre Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Joost G J
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Hoenderop
authors.forename: Bernd
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Nilius
authors.forename: René J M
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Bindels
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000494:pharmacology; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology*; D002762:Cholecalciferol / Q000494:pharmacology; D004967:Estrogens / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D050916:TRPV Cation Channels; D014018:Tissue Distribution
chemical_list: D015220:Calcium Channels; D004967:Estrogens; D050916:TRPV Cation Channels; C492239:TRPV5 protein, human; C120776:TRPV6 channel; D002762:Cholecalciferol; D002118:Calcium