The role of TRP channels in white matter function and ischaemia

• Published in: Neuroscience letters Vol. 690; pp. 202 - 209
• Main Authors: Cornillot, Marion, Giacco, Vincenzo, Hamilton, Nicola B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier B.V 18-01-2019
• Subjects: Animals; Astrocytes; Humans; Ischaemia; Ischemia - physiopathology; Microglia; Neuroglia - physiology; Oligodendrocytes; Pathogenesis; Transient Receptor Potential Channels - physiology; TRP channels; White Matter - physiology; Ischaemia; Astrocytes; Pathogenesis; TRP channels; Oligodendrocytes; Microglia
• ISSN: 0304-3940; 1872-7972
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.10.042

•TRP channels are heterogeneously expressed in glial cells.•Here we summarise the suggested roles for glial TRP channels in physiology and pathology.•This is an exciting new field, but more evidence is required to prove the thepeutic value of modulating glial TRP channels in disease.
Transient receptor potential (TRP) proteins are a large family of tetrameric non-selective cation channels that are widely expressed in the grey and white matter of the CNS, and are increasingly considered as potential therapeutic targets in brain disorders. Here we briefly review the evidence for TRP channel expression in glial cells and their possible role in both glial cell physiology and stroke. Despite their contribution to important functions, our understanding of the roles of TRP channels in glia is still in its infancy. The evidence reviewed here indicates that further investigation is needed to determine whether TRP channel inhibition can decrease damage or increase repair in stroke and other diseases affecting the white matter.