Transient receptor potential or TRP channels are a family of loosely related ion channels that are non-selectively permeable to cations, including calcium and magnesium. TRP channels were discovered in mutant Drosophila that, instead of having sustained photoreceptor activity in response to light, had only a transient response to light. Most TRP channels are comprised of 6 membrane-spanning helices with intracellular N- and C-termini. TRP channels are activated and regulated by a wide variety of stimuli and are expressed widely throughout the body.

Genes

They are encoded by at least 33 channel subunit genes divided into seven sub-families:

• TRPC (canonical) - associated with Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
• TRPV (vanilloid)
• TRPA (ankyrin)
• TRPM (melastatin) -- associated with Hypomagnesemia with secondary hypocalcemia
• TRPP (polycystin) -- associated with Polycystic kidney disease
• TRPML (mucolipin) -- associated with Mucolipidosis type IV
• TRPN (NOMPC) - no mechanoreceptor potential C - not found in mammals

References

External links

• IUPHAR