Sensing the air around us: the voltage-gated-like ion channel family.
Ion channels are a complex set of proteins having many important physiologic and potentially pathologic roles. The flow of ions through these channels and the subsequent cellular depolarization can trigger complex mechanisms such as cardiac rhythm, hormone secretion, and numerous sensory experiences. The transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are an important means for multiple organ systems to interact with their environment. The various TRP channel subfamilies respond to voltage or to ligands such as G-protein coupled receptors. Their ability to sense temperature, pain, stretch, and osmolarity among others enables them to mediate responses such as smooth muscle contraction, cough, or sensation of pain.
Kim
Dennis
D
Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Room B105, Lower Level Kober-Cogen Building, Georgetown University, 3800 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007-2197, USA.
Baraniuk
James N
JN
D000818:Animals; D020013:Calcium Signaling / Q000502:physiology; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D015640:Ion Channel Gating / Q000502:physiology*; D040542:Mechanotransduction, Cellular / Q000502:physiology*; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D008954:Models, Biological; D012677:Sensation / Q000502:physiology*; D011984:Sensory Receptor Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D050051:Transient Receptor Potential Channels / Q000737:chemistry / Q000145:classification* / Q000502:physiology
D050051:Transient Receptor Potential Channels