Transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels: rewarding unique proteins.

The discovery of the Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) superfamily of versatile and polymodal cation channels has dramatically extended our molecular understanding of cellular sensors. The main surprising properties are their diversity in ion selectivity and the polymodal mechanisms of activation, which necessarily result in equally diverse cell functions. They are involved in sensory functions, e.g. the perception of temperature, smell, taste, pain, mechanical signals and respond to many natural compounds used in "traditional medicine". TRP channels are main players in Ca2+ signalling, which controls a plethora of events ranging from neurotransmitter release to gene transcription and cell death. They are also involved in homeostatic functions, e.g. epithelial Ca2+ and Mg2+ reabsorption and lysosomal pH regulation. TRP channel dysfunction contributes to certain human diseases. Finally, TRP channels will become important novel pharmacological targets for the treatment of human diseases and for modulation of sensory functions, e.g. the perception of flavor.