Skip to main content

Structure and function of TRP channels


EMSL Project ID
51508

Abstract

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are polymodal sensory transducers that respond to chemicals, temperature, mechanical stress and membrane voltage and are involved in vision, taste, olfaction, hearing, touch, thermal perception and nociception. Mutations, malfunctions or changes in expression of TRP channels are associated with numerous human diseases, including cardiovascular, renal, nociceptive, metabolic disorders and cancers. We study several subtypes of TRP channels, including calcium-selective TRPV6 channels that play a role calcium uptake channels in epithelial tissues and are implicated in transient neonatal hyperparathyroidism and various types of cancer. We also study TRPV3 channels that are highly temperature-sensitive and activated by heat and natural compounds like camphor and cinnamon. Mutations in TRPV3 cause human skin diseases, including Olmsted syndrome, atopic dermatitis and rosacea. Using cryo-EM in combination with mutagenesis and functional recordings, we study the mechanisms of TRPV6 and TRPV3 gating and inhibition, understanding of which will help future drug design.

Project Details

Start Date
2020-06-15
End Date
2021-03-17
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Alexander Sobolevsky
Institution
Columbia University

Team Members

Kirill Nadezhdin
Institution
Columbia University

Arthur Neuberger
Institution
Columbia University