TRPM Channels

The melastatin-related receptor family (TRPM) is the largest subfamily of the transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily of ion channels. It contains 8 known members, subdivided into 4 groups, which perform a range of functions including detection of taste and osmolarity, and control of cell proliferation.

Members of the TRPM subfamily are grouped on the basis of sequence homology. The first subgroup includes TRPM1 and TRPM3; the second, TRPM6 and TRPM7; the third, TRPM2 and TRPM8; and the fourth, TRPM4 and TRPM5. TRPM channels are involved in a range of cellular processes, including insulin secretion (TRPM2, TRPM4), Mg²⁺ homeostasis (TRPM6, TRPM7), and cold signaling (TRPM8). TRPM8 is also known as CMR1 (cold and menthol receptor 1) due to its interaction with menthol.

TRPM channels play an important role in numerous vascular processes - including mechanosensory transduction and vascular inflammation - and such properties could make TRPM channels key therapeutic targets for the treatment of vascular disease.

External sources of pharmacological information for TRPM Channels :

• IUPHAR Receptor Code

• BJP Guide

TRPM Gene Data