Since the first TRP ion channel was discovered in Drosophila melanogaster in 1989, the progress made in this area of signaling research has yielded findings that offer the potential to dramatically impact human health and wellness. Involved in gateway activity for all five of our senses, TRP channels have been shown to respond to a wide range of st

TRP Channels as Therapeutic Targets: From Basic Science to Clinical Use is authored by experts across academia and industry, providing readers with a complete picture of the therapeutic potential and challenges associated with using TRP channels as drug targets. This book offers a unique clinical approach by covering compounds that target TRP channels in pre-clinical and clinical phases, also offering a discussion of TRP channels as biomarkers. An entire section is devoted to the novel and innovative uses of these channels across a variety of diseases, offering strategies that can be used to overcome the adverse effects of first generation TRPV1 antagonists. Intended for all researchers and clinicians working toward the development of successful drugs targeting TRP channels, this book is an essential resource chocked full of the latest clinical data and findings. - Contains comprehensive coverage of TRP channels as therapeutic targets, from emerging clinical indications to completed clinical trials - Discusses TRP channels as validated targets, ranging from obesity and diabetes through cancer and respiratory disorders, kidney diseases, hypertension, neurodegenerative disorders, and more - Provides critical analysis of the complications and side effects that have surfaced during clinical trials, offering evidence-based suggestions for overcoming them

Role of TRPV4 Channels in Different Organ Systems, Volume 89, the latest release in the Current Topics in Membranes series, provides an in-depth description of the role of TRPV4 ion channels in different organ systems under healthy and disease conditions. Research over the last two decades shows crucial physiological and pathological roles for TRPV4 channels. In this volume, we present chapters focusing on TRPV4 channels in the vasculature, lungs, heart, kidney, bladder, skin, musculoskeletal system, eye, and immune cells. Understanding the behavior of TRPV4 channels in various organ systems will provide a big picture on their physiological roles and therapeutic targeting. - Provides a review of the role of TRPV4 channels in different organ systems - Presents a review of recent literature on TRPV4 channels - Includes easy to understand graphics, perspectives and future directions

This volume provides up-to-date information on the molecular and functional properties and pharmacology of mammalian TRP channels. Leading experts in the field have written 35 essays which describe properties of a single TRP protein/channel or portray more general principles of TRP function and important pathological situations linked to mutations of TRP genes or their altered expression.

Piezo Channels, Volume 79, the latest volume in the Current Topics in Membranes series provides the necessary membrane research to assist readers in discovering the current state of a particular field and future directions. New chapters in the updated volume include A Tour de Force: The Discovery, Properties, and Function of Piezo Channels, Piezo1 Channels in Vascular Development and the Sensing of Shear Stress, the Origin of the Force: The Force-From-Lipids Principle Applied to Piezo Channels, Genetic Diseases of PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 Dysfunction, and The Structural Basis for Sensing by the Piezo1 Protein. Users of this series will find an up-to-date presentation of the current knowledge in the field of Piezo Channels. - Written by leading experts in the field - Contains original material, both textual and illustrative, that make it a very relevant reference - Presented in a very comprehensive manner - Ideal reference for both researchers in the field and general readers who will find this book to be relevant and up-to-date

​In this fast moving field the main goal of this volume is to provide up-to-date information on the molecular and functional properties and pharmacology of mammalian TRP channels. Leading experts in the field describe properties of a single TRP protein/channel or portray more general principles of TRP function and important pathological situations linked to mutations of TRP genes or their altered expression. Thereby this volume on Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) Channels provides valuable information for readers with different expectations and backgrounds, for those who are approaching this field of research as well as for those wanting to make a trip to TRPs.

Calcium Entry Channels in Non-Excitable Cells focuses on methods of investigating the structure and function of non-voltage gated calcium channels. Each chapter presents important discoveries in calcium entry pathways, specifically dealing with the molecular identification of store-operated calcium channels which were reviewed by earlier volumes in the Methods in Signal Transduction series. Crystallographic and pharmacological approaches to the study of calcium channels of epithelial cells are also discussed. Calcium ion is a messenger in most cell types. Whereas voltage gated calcium channels have been studied extensively, the non-voltage gated calcium entry channel genes have only been identified relatively recently. The book will fill this important niche.

Current Topics in Membranes

Advances in itch research have elucidated differences between itch and pain but have also blurred the distinction between them. There is a long debate about how somatic sensations including touch, pain, itch, and temperature sensitivity are encoded by the nervous system. Research suggests that each sensory modality is processed along a fixed, direct-line communication system from the skin to the brain. Itch: Mechanisms and Treatment presents a timely update on all aspects of itch research and the clinical treatment of itch that accompanies many dermatological conditions including psoriasis, neuropathic itch, cutaneous t-cells lymphomas, and systemic diseases such as kidney and liver disease and cancer. Composed of contributions from distinguished researchers around the world, the book explores topics such as: Neuropathic itch Peripheral neuronal mechanism of itch The role of PAR-2 in neuroimmune communication and itch Mrgprs as itch receptors The role of interleukin-31 and oncostatin M in itch and neuroimmune communication Spinal coding of itch and pain Spinal microcircuits and the regulation of itch Examining new findings on cellular and molecular mechanisms, the book is a compendium of the most current research on itch, its prevalence in society, and the problems associated with treatment.

Ion channels are proteins that make pores in the membranes of excitable cells present both in the brain and the body. These cells are not only responsible for converting chemical and mechanical stimuli into the electrical signals but are also liable for monitoring vital functions. All our activities, from the blinking of our eyes to the beating of our heart and all our senses from smell to sight, touch, taste and hearing are regulated by the ion channels. This book will take us on an expedition describing the role of ion channels in congenital and acquired diseases and the challenges and limitations scientist are facing in the development of drugs targeting these membrane proteins.