Editing Transient receptor potential channel (section)

== Function ==
TRP channels modulate ion entry driving forces and Ca<sup>2+</sup> and Mg<sup>2+</sup> transport machinery in the plasma membrane, where most of them are located.  TRPs have important interactions with other proteins and often form signaling complexes, the exact pathways of which are unknown.<ref name="pmid3129667">
{{cite journal | vauthors = Winston KR, Lutz W | title = Linear accelerator as a neurosurgical tool for stereotactic radiosurgery | journal = Neurosurgery | volume = 22 | issue = 3 | pages = 454–64 | date = March 1988 | pmid = 3129667 | doi = 10.1097/00006123-198803000-00002 }}</ref> TRP channels were initially discovered in the ''trp'' mutant strain of the fruit fly ''[[Drosophila]]''<ref name="pmid5344615"/> which displayed transient elevation of potential in response to light stimuli and were so named ''transient receptor potential'' channels.<ref name="pmid2516726">{{cite journal | vauthors = Montell C, Rubin GM | title = Molecular characterization of the Drosophila trp locus: a putative integral membrane protein required for phototransduction | journal = Neuron | volume = 2 | issue = 4 | pages = 1313–23 | date = April 1989 | pmid = 2516726 | doi = 10.1016/0896-6273(89)90069-x | s2cid = 8908180 }}</ref> TRPML channels function as intracellular calcium release channels and thus serve an important role in organelle regulation.<ref name="pmid3129667"/> Importantly, many of these channels mediate a variety of sensations like the sensations of pain, temperature, different kinds of taste, pressure, and vision. In the body, some TRP channels are thought to behave like microscopic thermometers and are used in animals to sense hot or cold. TRPs act as sensors of [[osmotic pressure]], [[volume]], [[Stretching|stretch]], and [[vibration]]. TRPs have been seen to have complex multidimensional roles in sensory signaling. Many TRPs function as intracellular calcium release channels.

=== Pain and temperature sensation ===
TRP ion channels convert energy into action potentials in somatosensory nociceptors.<ref name="pmid2683630">
{{cite journal | vauthors = Eccles R | title = Nasal physiology and disease with reference to asthma | journal = Agents and Actions. Supplements | volume = 28 | pages = 249–61 | year = 1989 | pmid = 2683630 }}</ref>  Thermo-TRP channels have a C-terminal domain that is responsible for [[thermosensation]] and have a specific interchangeable region that allows them to sense temperature stimuli that is tied to ligand regulatory processes.<ref>
{{cite journal | vauthors = Brauchi S, Orta G, Salazar M, Rosenmann E, Latorre R | title = A hot-sensing cold receptor: C-terminal domain determines thermosensation in transient receptor potential channels | journal = The Journal of Neuroscience | volume = 26 | issue = 18 | pages = 4835–40 | date = May 2006 | pmid = 16672657 | pmc = 6674176 | doi = 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5080-05.2006 }}</ref>  Although most TRP channels are modulated by changes in temperature, some have a crucial role in temperature sensation. There are at least 6 different Thermo-TRP channels and each plays a different role.  For instance, [[TRPM8]] relates to mechanisms of sensing cold, [[TRPV1]] and [[TRPM3]] contribute to heat and inflammation sensations, and [[TRPA1]] facilitates many signaling pathways like sensory transduction, [[nociception]], [[inflammation]] and [[oxidative stress]].<ref name="pmid2683630"/>

=== Taste ===
TRPM5 is involved in [[taste]] signaling of [[sweet]], [[bitter (taste)|bitter]] and [[umami]] tastes by modulating the signal pathway in type II [[taste receptor]] cells.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Philippaert K, Pironet A, Mesuere M, Sones W, Vermeiren L, Kerselaers S, Pinto S, Segal A, Antoine N, Gysemans C, Laureys J, Lemaire K, Gilon P, Cuypers E, Tytgat J, Mathieu C, Schuit F, Rorsman P, Talavera K, Voets T, Vennekens R | display-authors = 6 | title = Steviol glycosides enhance pancreatic beta-cell function and taste sensation by potentiation of TRPM5 channel activity | journal = Nature Communications | volume = 8 | pages = 14733 | date = March 2017 | pmid = 28361903 | pmc = 5380970 | doi = 10.1038/ncomms14733 | bibcode = 2017NatCo...814733P }}</ref> TRPM5 is activated by the sweet glycosides found in the [[stevia rebaudiana|stevia]] plant.

Several other TRP channels play a significant role in chemosensation through sensory nerve endings in the mouth that are independent from taste buds. TRPA1 responds to mustard oil ([[allyl isothiocyanate]]), wasabi, and cinnamon, TRPA1 and TRPV1 respond to garlic ([[allicin]]), TRPV1 responds to chilli pepper ([[capsaicin]]), TRPM8 is activated by [[menthol]], [[camphor]], [[peppermint]], and cooling agents; and TRPV2 is activated by molecules ([[THC]], [[Cannabidiol|CBD]] and [[Cannabinol|CBN]]) found in marijuana.