Resolving TRP channel intrinsic sensory properties at the molecular level

The involvement of transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels as molecular sensors in chemo-, thermo- and mechanosensensory neuronal and secretory cell signaling has opened-up new avenues for understanding how organisms monitor external and internal environmental threats.

We will study inherent chemo-, thermo- and mechanosensory properties of purified TRP channels under normal and pathophysiological conditions including oxidative stress.

Purified TRP channel lipid bilayer patch-clamp recordings together with biophysical studies centered on single particle cryo-electron microscopy will be used to understand the gating of TRP channels by chemicals, temperature and pressure, and also in concert with the redox environment.

Redox and ligand modulation of TRP channel thermo- and mechanosensitivity will be explored in heterologous cellular expression systems as well as in sensory neurons and immune cells.

TRP channel and redox modifying proteins will be expressed in C. elegans to study thermo- and mechanosensitive behaviours.

A deep understanding of the intrinsic thermo- and mechanosensitive properties of TRP channels and how these ion channels are affected by chemical ligands and redox is not only of basic research interest but also of clinical importance, because it could provide us with new pharmacological strategies to control and fine-tune the activity of sensory neuronal and secretory cell TRP channels involved in various pain conditions including inflammatory pain.