ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the expression of the 28 transient receptor potential canonicals (TRP) that are found in mammals. It summarizes the current knowledge regarding the expression and functional role of TRP channels for Ca2+ homeostasis in cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts, their contribution to cardiac contractility and conduction, by knockdown/knockout of the corresponding genes, or by the use of specific channel inhibitors. It also summarizes the large body of reports assigning TRP-channel expression in two cardiac cell types—cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts. However, the channels and pumps mediating the fast Ca2+ cycling during beat-to-beat cardiac action are not only relevant for physiological cardiac functions but also for pathological processes such as development of pathological cardiac remodeling and development of heart failure. Based on the influence of Ca2+ signaling on cardiomyocyte physiology, a role of transient receptor potential canonical channels was proposed in signaling cascades mediating the development of cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling.
