Exploitable results
We studied endothelial cells and non-excitable cells, which are involved in Ca2+ signaling, the entry mechanism for Ca2+. The regulation of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration by Ca2+ influx is one of the most universal signal transduction pathways in all cell types, and underlies crucial processes ranging from sensory signal transduction, exocytosis, cell growth, and cardiovascular functions to gene expression and apoptosis. Recently, a novel family of Ca2+-permeable cation channels has been discovered, the TRP channels. These channels show homology to the product of the Drosophila TRP-gene (TRP stands for transient receptor potential), which encodes a protein that is crucial for the proper functioning of Drosophila photoreceptors. Although our knowledge of these channels is still relatively limited, TRP mutations have already been described that lead to kidney diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. A better knowledge of TRP channel functioning is therefore of great importance for the better understanding of both fundamental cell functioning and of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying several disorders, and may reveal novel pharmacological and therapeutic targets.
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