Methodological Considerations to Understand the Sensory Function of TRP Channels

Víctor      M. Meseguer; Bristol      L. Denlinger; Karel      Talavera

Abstract

Transient Receptor Potential channels are exquisite molecular transducers of multiple physical and chemical stimuli, hence the raising interest to study their relevance to Sensory Biology. Here we discuss a number of aspects of the biophysical and pharmacological properties of TRP channels, which we consider essential for a clear understanding of their sensory function in vivo. By examining concrete examples extracted from recent literature we illustrate that TRP channel research is a field in motion, and that many established dogmas on biophysical properties, drug specificity and physiological role are continuously reshaped, and sometimes even dismantled.

Keywords: TRPV1, TRPA1, TRPM8, sensory neuron, chemosensation, drug specificity, TRP Channels, Transient Receptor Potential channels, Sensory Biology, somatosensation, visceral nociception, neurogenic inflammation, complex endogenous modulation, TRPs in certain, CHEMOSENSORS, methyl salicylate, MO- or cinnamaldehyde- sensitive, menthol-sensitive neurons, TRPA1 modulators, TRPA1 activator MO, TRPV3 2, –, aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, cinnamaldehyde, jugular ganglion neurons, TRPA1 inhibitor HC-030031, nicotine, acetyl choline receptors, nAChRs, photometry, capsaicin, neuro-inflammatory response, alpha-hydroxy-sanshool, TRP-expressing neurons possess, clotrimazole, high voltage-activated Ca2+, GABA, lidocaine, propofol, isofluorane, desfluorane, 1,4-dihydropyridines, nifedipine, nimodipine, nicardipine, nitrendipine, Quinine, TRPA1 activator cinnamaldehyde, Patch-Clamp Experiments, NMDG+, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-biphosphate, bradykinin, nerve growth factor, PIP2-independent