Function and Regulation of TRP Family Channels in C.elegans

• 作 者: X.Z.ShawnXu;
• 机 构: Life Sciences Institute,University of Michigan,Ann Arbor,MI48109
• 出 处: The 3rd Ion Channel Conference: Ion channels-Structure, Func
• 发表日期: 2011年期

　　The nematode C.elegans has emerged as a popular genetic model for the study of the function and regulation of various gene families, including ion channels.TRP (transient receptor potential) channels represent a superfamily of cation channels found in all eukaryotes.Nearly every TRP channel is calcium-permeable.The C.elegans genome encodes members that fall within all of the seven TRP subfamilies, all of which are highly homologous to their vertebrate counterparts.Genetic analyses in C.elegans have implicated TRP channels in a wide spectrum of behavioral and physiological processes, ranging from sensory transduction to fertilization, drug dependence, organelle biogenesis, apoptosis, gene expression, and neurotransmitter/hormone release.Many C.elegans TRP channels share similar activation and regulatory mechanisms with their vertebrate counterparts.Studies in C.elegans have also revealed some previously unrecognized functions and regulatory mechanisms of TRP channels.C.elegans represents an excellent genetic model organism for the study of function and regulation of TRP channels in vivo.