Transient receptor potential

The phrase Transient receptor potential or TRP is appended to at least three classes of ion channels which mediate the response of a cell to external stimuli (electrical charge, substances, and forces) by increasing or decreasing its selective permeability to particular ions. The effect of this change is to modify the potential difference between inside and outside of the cell. Hence "receptor," for sensitivity to the environment, and "potential" for this difference.

Transient receptor potential ion channels are named after the role of the channels in Drosophila phototransduction.

Genes
They are encoded by at least 21 channel subunit genes and divided in three subunits:
 * TRPC (canonical):, , , , , ,
 * TRPV (vanilloid):, , , , ,
 * TRPM (melastatin):, , , , , , ,

TRPV
TRPV1 to TRPV4 can basically be seen as thermometers on a molecular level, and are activated by various means. TRPV1 is for example activated by noxious heat, acidic pH and capsaicin.

TRPV5 and TRPV6 are calcium entry channels responsible for calcium absorption in kidney and intestine. They were originally named ECaC and CAT1 and expression is regulated by the vitamin D endocrine system through the active metabolite calcitriol.

TRPM
TRPM5 is involved in the sensory transduction pathway of taste cells.

TRPM6 is a magnesium entry channel in epithelial tissues mediating magensium reabsorption in the kidney and absorption in the intestine

ANKTM1 (or ) is a member of the TRP ion channel family responsible for the irritating effects of tetrahydrocannabinol, mustard oil, and cinnamaldehyde.

TRPM8 is a Ca2+ permeable channel which can be activated by low temperatures, menthol, eucalyptol and icilin.