Structural biology of TRP channels

Abstract

Structural studies on TRP channels, while limited, are poised for a quickened pace and rapid expansion. As of yet, no high-resolution structure of a full length TRP channel exists, but low-resolution electron cryomicroscopy structures have been obtained for 4 TRP channels, and high-resolution NMR and X-ray crystal structures have been obtained for the cytoplasmic domains, including an atypical protein kinase domain, ankyrin repeats, coiled coil domains and a Ca 2+-binding domain, of 6 TRP channels. These structures enhance our understanding of TRP channel assembly and regulation. Continued technical advances in structural approaches promise a bright outlook for TRP channel structural biology. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.