TRP channels and thermosensation

Several TRP channels exhibits highly temperature-dependent gating properties, which leads to steep changes in depolarizing current upon either cooling or heating. Based on this characteristic feature, these so-called “thermoTRPs” have been widely studied with the aim to elucidate their potential key role as thermosensors in the somatosensory system, and to understand the basis of their high thermal sensitivity. In this review, I provide a brief critical overview of current knowledge on the role of TRP channels in thermosensing and on the thermodynamic and molecular basis of their steep temperature dependence.status: publishe