Transient Receptor Potential Channels and Calcium Signaling
Transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels play diverse roles in cellular Ca 2+ signaling. First, as Ca 2+ -permeable channels that respond to a variety of stimuli, TRP channels can directly initiate cellular Ca 2+ signals. Second, as nonselective cation channels, TRP channel activation leads to membrane depolarization, influencing Ca 2+ influx via voltage-gated and store-operated Ca 2+ channels. Finally, Ca 2+ modulates the activity of most TRP channels, allowing them to function as molecular effectors downstream of intracellular Ca 2+ signals.