Emerging structural biology of TRPM subfamily channels

Abstract

TRPM family (Transient receptor potential channels, M for melastatin) is a group of intrinsic plasma membrane ion channels which are widely expressed throughout human body. It has been identified as a potent entry point of working desperate diseases out in a new way with newfangled ideas and safer technological means. In our review, we discussed the common and unique properties of TRPM family with the elaborate narrate in their overall structures, different states and the underlying activation mechanism. Thus, this review can help to consummate the limited work of TRPM family and provide novel therapeutic targets of certain diseases.

Keywords: Cryo-EM; Gating mechanism; Ion permeation; Structure; TRPM channel.