TRPs in our senses.
In the last decade, studies of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, a superfamily of cation-conducting membrane proteins, have significantly extended our knowledge about the molecular basis of sensory perception in animals. Due to their distinct activation mechanisms and biophysical properties, TRP channels are highly suited to function in receptor cells, either as receptors for environmental or endogenous stimuli or as molecular players in signal transduction cascades downstream of metabotropic receptors. As such, TRP channels play a crucial role in many mammalian senses, including touch, taste and smell. Starting with a brief survey of sensory TRP channels in invertebrate model systems, this review covers the current state of research on TRP channel function in the classical mammalian senses and summarizes how modulation of TRP channels can tune our sensations.
Damann
Nils
N
Laboratorium voor Fysiologie, Campus Gasthuisberg, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Voets
Thomas
T
Nilius
Bernd
B
D000818:Animals; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000502:physiology; D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D002628:Chemoreceptor Cells / Q000502:physiology; D003118:Color Perception / Q000502:physiology; D004330:Drosophila / Q000502:physiology; D029721:Drosophila Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D006309:Hearing / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008322:Mammals; D008465:Mechanoreceptors / Q000502:physiology; D010465:Perception / Q000502:physiology; D010786:Photoreceptor Cells / Q000502:physiology; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D012677:Sensation / Q000502:physiology; D012903:Smell / Q000502:physiology; D014110:Touch / Q000502:physiology; D050051:Transient Receptor Potential Channels / Q000502:physiology*
D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins; D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D050051:Transient Receptor Potential Channels