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Current Topics in Ion Channels

Mechanism of Ca²⁺-dependent desensitization in TRP channels

Ariela Gordon-Shaag, William N. Zagotta and Sharona E. Gordon

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The 30+ members of the family of TRP channels are diverse in their physiological roles, yet the mechanisms that regulate their gating may be conserved. In particular, all TRP channels show an activity-dependent inhibition which is mediated by Ca²⁺. The mechanism by which Ca²⁺ inhibits TRP channels is currently a matter of intense debate, with Ca²⁺-regulated kinases, phosphatases, phospholipases, and calmodulin all proposed to be involved. In this review, we will discuss different mechanisms for Ca²⁺-dependent desensitization in TRP channels. We will conclude with a model that focuses on Ca²⁺-dependent activation of phospholipase C and Ca²⁺ binding to calmodulin and propose that the phospholipase C and calmodulin pathways are structurally and functionally coupled.

Authors

Ariela Gordon-Shaag

Hadassah College

William N. Zagotta

University of Washington

Sharona E. Gordon

University of Washington

This is an open-access article

 Download PDF

If the document does not open, please right-click on the link (control-click on a Macintosh) and select the option to save the file to disk.