Chapter 19 - The neuroscience of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 (TRPV4) and spinal cord injury

Abstract

Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 (TRPV4) is a broadly expressed, non-selective cation channel that plays a crucial role in diverse physiological processes. The physiological roles of TRPV4 include maintaining homeostasis and serving as an osmosensor and thermosensor. TRPV4 expression varies according to a multiplicity of pathological conditions, and its expression is directly modulated by endogenous molecules or stimuli and by an exogenous chemical stimulus. Also, TRPV4 expression can be increased or decreased indirectly via targeting intracellular signaling pathways. TRPV4 is expressed in the dorsal root ganglion cell bodies and could easily be found in the sensory nerve terminals projecting to laminae I and II of the spinal cord. Recently, the TRPV4 expression and involvement in SCI pathology with particular emphasis on endothelial dysfunction and secondary damage have been demonstrated. In this chapter, we described the role of TRPV4 in SCI pathology, with a special focus on major processes controlled/fine-tuned by TRPV4. Overall, increased TRPV4 expression damages endothelial cells, while inhibition stops the degradation of tight junction proteins. The role of TRPV4 in other CNS pathologies/processes is also reviewed in the current chapter.