Neuronal TRP channels: thermometers, pathfinders and life-savers.
Cation channels of the TRP superfamily are widely expressed in the nervous system, and important progress has been made in elucidating the gating properties and physiological roles of neuronal TRPs. Recent studies have firmly established the role of temperature-sensitive TRPs (thermoTRPs) as the principal molecular thermometers in the peripheral sensory system, and provided the first molecular insight into the mechanisms underlying the exquisite thermo- and chemosensitivity of these channels. Moreover, accumulating evidence implicates TRP channels in the development of the central nervous system. In particular, Ca(2+) influx via TRPC channels appears to be a critical component of the signalling cascade that mediates the guidance of growth cones and survival of neurons in response to chemical cues such as neurotrophins or Netrin-1.
Talavera
Karel
K
Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Division of Physiology, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg O&N1, Herestraat 49 bus 802, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Nilius
Bernd
B
Voets
Thomas
T
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D050052:TRPC Cation Channels / Q000502:physiology*; D013821:Thermometers
D050052:TRPC Cation Channels