Transient Receptor Potential Box Research Articles

Characterization of TRPC Channels in a Heterologous System Using Calcium Imaging and the Patch-Clamp Technique.

The family of transient receptor potential (TRPs) channels contains 28 mammalian members, each a unique cellular sensor that responds to a wide variety of external and internal signals. TRP channels are expressed by most mammalian cells, where they are involved in many different physiological functions. Canonical TRP channels (TRPCs) form a family of nonselective cationic channels, although with greater selectivity for Ca2+. This family is made up of seven members (TRPC1-7), all of which contain a TRP box in the carboxyl terminal and 3-4 ankyrin repeats in the amino terminal. While these channels share some similar properties, they display diverse gating mechanisms and are involved in different signaling pathways (Gees M et al., Compr Physiol, 2012). The activation or inhibition of these channels has been studied using different approaches and techniques. Here, we characterize the activation of the TRPC5 channel expressed in a heterologous system, using calcium imaging and the patch-clamp technique in whole-cell configuration.

Side chain flexibility and coupling between the S4-S5 linker and the TRP domain in thermo-sensitive TRP channels: Insights from protein modeling.

The transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily is subdivided into several subfamilies on the basis of sequence similarity, which is highly heterogeneous but shows a molecular architecture that resembles the one present in members of the Kv channel superfamily. Because of this diversity, they produce a large variety of channels with different gating and permeability properties. Elucidation of these particular features necessarily requires comparative studies based on structural and functional data. The present study aims to compilate, analyze, and determine, in a coherent way, the relationship between intrinsic side-chain flexibility and the allosteric coupling in members of the TRPV, TRPM, and TRPC families. Based on the recently determined structures of TRPV1 and TRPV2, we have generated protein models for single subunits of TRPV5, TRPM8, and TRPC5 channels. With these models, we focused our attention on the apparently crucial role of the GP dipeptide at the center of the S4-S5 linker and discussed its role in the interaction with the TRP domain, specifically with the highly-conserved Trp during this coupling. Our analysis suggests an important role of the S4-S5L flexibility in the thermosensitivity, where heat-activated channels possess rigid S4-S5 linkers, whereas cold-activated channels have flexible ones. Finally, we also present evidence of the key interaction between the conserved Trp residue of the TRP box and of several residues in the S4-S5L, importantly the central Pro. Proteins 2017; 85:630-646. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Transient Receptor Potential Channels and Corneal Stromal Inflammation.

Corneal transparency is dependent on the maintenance of the structural integrity and functional activity of its epithelial and endothelial limiting layers and the stroma. Different transient receptor potential (TRP) channel subtypes are expressed in cells and on corneal sensory nerve endings. They serve as sensors and transducers of environmental stimuli that can reduce tissue transparency. These nonselective cation channels are members of a superfamily sharing TRP box protein sequence homology having 6 membrane spanning domains with a pore between the fifth and sixth segments. TRP channels are composed of 4 monomeric subunits that oligomerize in homomeric or heteromeric configurations derived from different TRP subtypes belonging to the same or any of 6 different subfamilies. TRP subfamily members identified in the cornea include those belonging to the canonical, vanilloid, ankyrin, or melastatin subfamilies. In this review, we specifically focus on the functional roles of TRPV1 and TRPA1 expression in the cornea as their activation provides adaptive nociceptive and immune responses to noxious environmental stresses such as irritating ligands, temperature fluctuations, rises in ambient osmolarity, mechanical stretch, decline in pH, and tissue injury. Our previous studies have indicated that TRPV1 and TRPA1 subtypes are potential drug targets for improving corneal wound healing after alkali burns, because injury-induced fibrosis, neovascularization, and inflammation in either TRPV1 or TRPA1 gene-silenced mice were all significantly reduced.

Interaction between the Linker, Pre-S1, and TRP Domains Determines Folding, Assembly, and Trafficking of TRPV Channels

Functional transient receptor potential (TRP) channels result from the assembly of four subunits. Here, we show an interaction between the pre-S1, TRP, and the ankyrin repeat domain (ARD)-S1 linker domains of TRPV1 and TRPV4 that is essential for proper channel assembly. Neutralization of TRPV4 pre-S1 K462 resulted in protein retention in the ER, defective glycosylation and trafficking, and unresponsiveness to TRPV4-activating stimuli. Similar results were obtained with the equivalent mutation in TRPV1 pre-S1. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that TRPV4-K462 generated an alternating hydrogen network with E745 (TRP box) and D425 (pre-S1 linker), and that K462Q mutation affected subunit folding. Consistently, single TRPV4-E745A or TRPV4-D425A mutations moderately affected TRPV4 biogenesis while double TRPV4-D425A/E745A mutation resumed the TRPV4-K462Q phenotype. Thus, the interaction between pre-S1, TRP, and linker domains is mandatory to generate a structural conformation that allows the contacts between adjacent subunits to promote correct assembly and trafficking to the plasma membrane.

L596–W733 bond between the start of the S4–S5 linker and the TRP box stabilizes the closed state of TRPV4 channel

Unlike other cation channels, each subunit of most transient receptor potential (TRP) channels has an additional TRP-domain helix with an invariant tryptophan immediately trailing the gate-bearing S6. Recent cryo-electron microscopy of TRP vanilloid subfamily, member 1 structures revealed that this domain is a five-turn amphipathic helix, and the invariant tryptophan forms a bond with the beginning of the four-turn S4-S5 linker helix. By homology modeling, we identified the corresponding L596-W733 bond in TRP vanilloid subfamily, member 4 (TRPV4). The L596P mutation blocks bone development in Kozlowski-type spondylometaphyseal dysplasia in human. Our previous screen also isolated W733R as a strong gain-of-function (GOF) mutation that suppresses growth when the W733R channel is expressed in yeast. We show that, when expressed in Xenopus oocytes, TRPV4 with the L596P or W733R mutation displays normal depolarization-induced activation and outward rectification. However, these mutant channels have higher basal open probabilities and limited responses to the agonist GSK1016790A, explaining their biological GOF phenotypes. In addition, W733R current fails to inactivate during depolarization. Systematic replacement of W733 with amino acids of different properties produced similar electrophysiological and yeast phenotypes. The results can be interpreted consistently in the context of the homology model of TRPV4 molecule we have developed and refined using simulations in explicit medium. We propose that this bond maintains the orientation of the S4-S5 linker to keep the S6 gate closed. Further, the two partner helices, both amphipathic and located at the polar-nonpolar interface of the inner lipid monolayer, may receive and integrate various physiological stimuli.

Molecular Determinants of Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) Binding to Transient Receptor Potential V1 (TRPV1) Channels

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) has been recognized as an important activator of certain transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. More specifically, TRPV1 is a pain receptor activated by a wide range of stimuli. However, whether or not PI(4,5)P2 is a TRPV1 agonist remains open to debate. Utilizing a combined approach of mutagenesis and molecular modeling, we identified a PI(4,5)P2 binding site located between the TRP box and the S4-S5 linker. At this site, PI(4,5)P2 interacts with the amino acid residues Arg-575 and Arg-579 in the S4-S5 linker and with Lys-694 in the TRP box. We confirmed that PI(4,5)P2 behaves as a channel agonist and found that Arg-575, Arg-579, and Lys-694 mutations to alanine reduce PI(4,5)P2 binding affinity. Additionally, in silico mutations R575A, R579A, and K694A showed that the reduction in binding affinity results from the delocalization of PI(4,5)P2 in the binding pocket. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that PI(4,5)P2 binding induces conformational rearrangements of the structure formed by S6 and the TRP domain, which cause an opening of the lower TRPV1 channel gate.

The Molecular Determinants of PI(4,5)P2 Binding to TRPV1 Channels

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) has been recognized as an important activator of certain transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. More specifically, TRPV1 is a pain receptor activated by a wide range of stimuli. However, whether or not PI(4,5)P2 is a TRPV1 agonist remains open to debate. Utilizing a combined approach of mutagenesis and molecular modeling, we identified a PI(4,5)P2 binding site located between the TRP box and the S4-S5 linker. At this site PI(4,5)P2 interacts with the amino acid residues R575 and R579 in the S4-S5 linker and with K694 in the TRP box. We confirmed that PI(4,5)P2 behaves as a channel agonist and found that R575, R579 and K694 mutations to alanine reduce PI(4,5)P2 binding affinity. Additionally, in silico mutations R575A, R579A and K694A showed that the reduction in binding affinity results from the delocalization of PI(4,5)P2 in the binding pocket. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that PI(4,5)P2 binding induces conformational rearrangements of the structure formed by S6 and the TRP domain, which leads to the opening of the lower TRPV1 channel gate.

The Region Adjacent to the C-end of the Inner Gate in Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 8 (TRPM8) Channels Plays a Central Role in Allosteric Channel Activation

The ability of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels to sense and respond to environmental and endogenous cues is crucial in animal sensory physiology. The molecular mechanism of channel gating is yet elusive. The TRP box, a conserved region in the N-end of the C terminus domain, has been signaled as pivotal for allosteric activation in TRP channels. Here, we have examined the role of the linker region between the TRPM8 inner gate and the TRP box (referred to as the S6-TRP box linker) to identify structural determinants of channel gating. Stepwise substitutions of segments in the S6-TRP box linker of TRPM8 channel with the cognate TRPV1 channel sequences produced functional chimeric channels, and identified Tyr(981) as a central molecular determinant of channel function. Additionally, mutations in the 986-990 region had a profound impact on channel gating by voltage and menthol, as evidenced by the modulation of the conductance-to-voltage (G-V) relationships. Simulation of G-V curves using an allosteric model for channel activation revealed that these mutations altered the allosteric constants that couple stimuli sensing to pore opening. A molecular model of TRPM8, based on the recently reported TRPV1 structural model, showed that Tyr(981) may lie in a hydrophobic pocket at the end of the S6 transmembrane segment and is involved in inter-subunit interactions with residues from neighbor subunits. The 986-990 region holds intrasubunit interactions between the TRP domain and the S4-S5 linker. These findings substantiate a gating mechanism whereby the TRP domain acts as a coupling domain for efficient channel opening. Furthermore, they imply that protein-protein interactions of the TRP domain may be targets for channel modulation and drug intervention.

The Ca2+-activated cation channel TRPM4 is regulated by phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channel, melastatin subfamily (TRPM)4 is a Ca2+-activated monovalent cation channel that depolarizes the plasma membrane and thereby modulates Ca2+ influx through Ca2+-permeable pathways. A typical feature of TRPM4 is its rapid desensitization to intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). Here we show that phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate (PIP2) counteracts desensitization to [Ca2+]i in inside-out patches and rundown of TRPM4 currents in whole-cell patch-clamp experiments. PIP2 shifted the voltage dependence of TRPM4 activation towards negative potentials and increased the channel's Ca2+ sensitivity 100-fold. Conversely, activation of the phospholipase C (PLC)-coupled M1 muscarinic receptor or pharmacological depletion of cellular PIP2 potently inhibited currents through TRPM4. Neutralization of basic residues in a C-terminal pleckstrin homology (PH) domain accelerated TRPM4 current desensitization and strongly attenuated the effect of PIP2, whereas mutations to the C-terminal TRP box and TRP domain had no effect on the PIP2 sensitivity. Our data demonstrate that PIP2 is a strong positive modulator of TRPM4, and implicate the C-terminal PH domain in PIP2 action. PLC-mediated PIP2 breakdown may constitute a physiologically important brake on TRPM4 activity.

A Cytosolic Residue Mediates Mg2+Block and Regulates Inward Current Amplitude of a Transient Receptor Potential Channel

Members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channel family control a wide variety of cellular functions by regulating calcium influx. In neurons, TRP channels may also modulate cell excitability. TRPC5 is a neuronal TRP channel that plays a role in controlling neurite extension in the hippocampus. Transiently expressed TRPC5 exhibits a doubly rectifying current-voltage relationship characterized by relatively large inward currents and a unique outwardly rectifying current with a "flat" segment between +10 and +40 mV that may be attributable to Mg2+ block. We find that intracellular Mg2+ blocks the outward current through TRPC5 with an IC50 of 457 microM. The block is mediated by a cytosolic aspartate residue, D633, situated between the termination of the sixth transmembrane domain and the "TRP box." The substitution of noncharged or positively charged residues for the negatively charged D633 resulted in a channel with markedly reduced inward currents, in addition to decreased Mg2+ block. This suggests that electrostatic attraction of cations by D633 may contribute to inward current amplitude in TRPC5. We propose that cytosolic negatively charged residues can modulate the conductivity of TRP cation channels.