TRPC4
The short transient receptor potential channel 4 (TrpC4), also known as Trp-related protein 4, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TRPC4 gene.
Function
TrpC4 is a member of the transient receptor potential cation channels. This protein forms a non-selective calcium-permeable cation channel that is activated by Gq-coupled receptors and tyrosine kinases, and plays a role in multiple processes including endothelial permeability, vasodilation, neurotransmitter release and cell proliferation.
Tissue distribution
The nonselective cation channel TrpC4 has been shown to be present in high abundance in the cortico-limbic regions of the brain. In addition, TRPC4 mRNA is present in midbrain dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area and the substantia nigra.
Roles
Deletion of the trpc4 gene decreases levels of sociability in a social exploration task. These results suggest that TRPC4 may play a role in regulating social anxiety in a number of different disorders. However deletion of the trpc4 gene had no impact on basic or complex strategic learning. Given that the trpc4 gene is expressed in a select population of midbrain dopamine neurons it has been proposed that is may have an important role in dopamine related processes including addiction and attention.
TRPC6
Transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily C, member 6, also known as TRPC6, is a human gene encoding a protein of the same name. TRPC6 is a transient receptor potential ion channel. It has been associated with depression and anxiety (see below), as well as with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).
Interactions
TRPC6 has been shown to interact with:
Ligands
Two of the primary active constituents responsible for the antidepressant and anxiolytic benefits of Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John's Wort, are hyperforin and adhyperforin. These compounds are inhibitors of the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine ,dopamine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and glutamate, and they exert these effects by binding to and activating TRPC6. Activation of TRPC6 induces the entry of Ca2+ and Na+ into the cell, which results in the inhibition of reuptake.
References
Further reading
External links
TRPC2
Transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily C, member 2, also known as TRPC2, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TRPC2 pseudogene. This protein is not expressed in humans but is in certain other species such as mouse.
Interactions
TRPC2 has been shown to interact with TRPC6.
See also
References
Further reading
External links
This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.
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