ABSTRACT
Transient receptor potential (TRP) family proteins form tetrameric nonselective cation channels. Upon activation, TRP channels depolarize the membrane potential, which can lead to activation or inactivation of voltage-gated ion channels, and regulate Ca2+ signaling, which controls diverse cellular functions. TRP C1 (TRPC1) is involved in brain-derived neurotrophic factor - and netrin-1-induced axon guidance. Neurodegenerative disorders are an important area of research in both science and medicine; although much research has been done on the causes of these disorders, only marginal clinical progress has been made, and an effective treatment is still elusive. TRP C3 may also be indirectly involved in Williams-Beuren syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with distinctive physical characteristics, moderate mental retardation, strong emotional activity, heart or blood vessel problems, and hypercalcemia. Epilepsy is a result of disturbed electrical activity in the brain, characterized by recurrent synchronized electrical discharges that prevent normal neuronal functions, which may be caused by a variety of factors.
