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 pri...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Trends in neurosciences (Regular ed.) 2008-06, Vol.31 (6), p.287-295
Main Authors: Talavera, Karel, Nilius, Bernd, Voets, Thomas
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Biological and medical sciences
Brain
Brain - cytology
Brain - metabolism
Cell membranes. Ionic channels. Membrane pores
Cell structures and functions
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
General aspects. Models. Methods
Humans
Models, Biological
Molecular and cellular biology
Nervous system
Neurology
Neurons
Neurons - metabolism
Neurosciences
Proteins
Thermometers
TRPC Cation Channels - physiology
Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs
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Summary: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, Ca2+ 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.
ISSN:0166-2236
1878-108X
DOI:10.1016/j.tins.2008.03.002