[Recent advances on TRP channels].

Abstract

The transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily of ion channels comprises 28 members of cation-selective ion channels in Mammalian. On the basis of amino acid sequence homology, TRP channels are grouped into six subfamilies (TRPC, TRPV, TRPM, TRPA, TRPP, and TRPML). All TRP channels have six predicted transmembrane segments in structure, and different selection for calcium and sodium in permeance. TRP channels are also widespread and activated by multiple stimuli. Meanwhile, as the sensor to the changes in cellular local environments, TRP channels have diverse functions, including thermal, mechanical and taste sensing, as well as maintaining ion homeostasis.