TRP Channels in Cardiovascular Disease
Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels comprise a large superfamily of channels activated under conditions associated with cellular stress including stretch, neurohormonal signaling, hypoxia, and oxidative stress. Although often considered to be operative in nonexcitable cells, emerging data suggests that these channels are critically important to the function of cells in the heart and vasculature. Dysregulation of these channels during cardiac stress contributes to the maladaptive response during cardiac disease. Here, we consider the role of the TRP channels in cardiac failure, arrhythmogenesis, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. We discuss the importance of specific channels, the signaling cascades activated by TRP channels, and potential therapeutic agents. Thus, the case is building that selective and specific antagonism of TRP channels will become an important goal.