TRP Channels in Vision

The transient receptor potential (TRP) field began with the analysis of a spontaneously formed Drosophila mutant showing transient, rather than sustained, responses to prolonged intense illumination in electroretinogram (ERG) measurements, rendering the flies effectively blind. The physiological activation of the Drosophila TRP and TRPL channels by light is characterized by an outstanding performance. To function as a reliable light monitor, each stage of the phototransduction cascade needs an efficient mechanism of activation as well as an equally efficient mechanism of termination, ensuring that, at the cessation of the light stimulus, the photoreceptor potential will rapidly reach dark baseline. The essential role of Drosophila trp in vision was discovered by the isolation of a spontaneous mutation and large-scale genetic screening. Channel members of the TRP superfamily are involved in fundamental mechanisms common to many cells and tissues, especially where cellular Ca²⁺ plays an important role.