Molecular Physiology of TRPV Channels: Controversies and Future Challenges

The ability to detect stimuli from the environment plays a pivotal role in our survival. The molecules that allow the detection of such signals include ion channels, which are proteins expressed in different cells and organs. Among these ion channels, the transient receptor potential (TRP) family responds to the presence of diverse chemicals, temperature, and osmotic changes, among others. This family of ion channels includes the TRPV or vanilloid subfamily whose members serve several physiological functions. Although these proteins have been studied intensively for the last two decades, owing to their structural and functional complexities, a number of controversies regarding their function still remain. Here, we discuss some salient features of their regulation in light of these controversies and outline some of the efforts pushing the field forward.

Automated summary

The ability to detect environmental stimuli is crucial for survival, and ion channels, such as TRP proteins, play a key role in this process. The TRPV subfamily, which belongs to the TRP family, responds to various chemical and physical changes. Despite intensive research in the past two decades, controversies still exist regarding the function of these proteins due to their complexity. In this article, we discuss important features of their regulation and highlight efforts to advance the field.