ABSTRACT
The mucolipin subgroup of the transient receptor potential superfamily of cation channels (TRPMLs) are evolutionarily conserved non-selective cation channels that function in endolysosomal membranes, and play key roles in the regulation of endocytosis, autophagy, and intracellular trafficking. The lack of effective antibodies against TRPMLs, which is exacerbated by the low expression levels of these proteins, has hindered detailed examination of their tissue and subcellular distribution. Consequently, most studies investigating the location of these channels across tissues rely on mRNA quantification. The endocytic pathway is initiated at the plasma membrane, where molecularly defined regions of the bilayer are pinched inwards to form early endosomes via a pathway orchestrated with exquisite spatiotemporal precision. The purpose of the following sections is to provide an overview of some of the tools and resources that may be used to study the localization, trafficking, and channel function of TRPMLs.
