Invited reviewTRPV6: From identification to function

- TRPV6 is one of the most Ca2+ selective Trp ion channels. It is mainly expressed in Ca2+-transporting epithelia e.g. epididymis and intestine, where it is assumed to play an important role in Ca2+ (re)absorption.
- Furthermore, several human malignancies show an upregulation of the Trpv6 gene expression (e.g. prostate and breast cancer).
- TRPV6 proteins are responsible for decreasing the Ca2+ concentration in the murine epididymal duct.
- Thereby, lack of TRPV6 leads to an impaired function of sperm showing that is an essential determinant for male fertility.

TRPV6 is essential for Ca2+ uptake in epididymal epithelia.134