Cryo-EM studies of TRP channels
EMSL Project ID
51044
Abstract
Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are a superfamily of calcium-permeable ion channels that are involved in diverse physiological processes. A subset of TRP channels that are known as the thermosensitive TRP channels (thermoTRP) are responsible for sensory transduction in human. They are life’s molecular sensors that detect chemical and physical stimuli (e.g. environmental chemical irritants, cooling agents, and noxious temperatures), and contribute to pain and/or itch sensing in human. Because of their crucial roles in nociception, thermoTRP channels are validated drug target to treat pain and/or itch. However, despite recent advances in structure biology of TRP channels, our understanding of the gating mechanisms of thermoTRP channels is limited, which has hampered drug development targeting these channels. Our goal is to understand the mechanisms of thermoTRP channel gating using cryo-EM. We have strong preliminary data for each aim, so two years of programmatic access at the PNCC would allow us to make substantial progress toward all aims, which will undoubtedly facilitate our understanding of the gating mechanism of thermoTRP channels, help facilitate drug development targeting these channels, and help understand the role of these channels in nociception at the molecular level.
Project Details
Start Date
2019-10-15
End Date
2021-03-17
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members