TRIC-B Mutations Causing Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Biol Pharm Bull. 2016;39(11):1743-1747. doi: 10.1248/bpb.b16-00612.

Abstract

Trimeric intracellular cation (TRIC) channel subtypes, namely TRIC-A and TRIC-B, are expressed in the endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum and nuclear envelope, and likely function as monovalent cation channels in various cell types. Our studies using knockout mice so far suggest that TRIC subtypes support Ca2+ release from intracellular stores by mediating counter-cationic fluxes. Several genetic mutations within the TRIC-B locus were recently identified in autosomal recessive osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) patients. However, the molecular mechanism by which the mutations cause human disease is not fully addressed. We found that Tric-b-knockout mice exhibit poor bone ossification and thus serve as an OI-model animal. Studies on Tric-b-knockout bones and cultured cell lines derived from the patients currently reveal the main part of the pathophysiological mechanism involved in the TRIC-B-mutated OI form. This mini-review focuses on the essential role of TRIC-B channels in bone ossification.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Ion Channels / genetics*
  • Mutation
  • Osteogenesis Imperfecta / genetics*

Substances

  • Ion Channels
  • TMEM38B protein, human
  • TRIC-B protein, mouse