Transient receptor potential channels and energy homeostasis

• Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are widely expressed in mammalian cells.
• TRP channels participate in taste transduction and anorexigenic signaling in the hypothalamus.
• Temperature-sensitive TRP channels in peripheral sensory neurons regulate sympathetic outflow to control brown fat thermogenesis.
• Intrinsic expression of TRPs in fat regulates gene programming of white and brown adipocytes to influence adiposity and insulin resistance.

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are members of an ancient class of ion channels that are present in most mammalian tissues. Consistent with their wide tissue distribution, TRPs are capable of influencing diverse physiological processes including adipocyte function, energy intake and energy expenditure. TRPs function as transduction channels downstream of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and receptor tyrosine kinases, and some can also be direct sensors of chemical irritants that influence food intake or regulate body temperature and thermogenesis. TRP agonists were shown to reduce body weight and adiposity, suggesting that they might be exploited as therapeutic targets. In this review I discuss the current knowledge of how TRP channels influence energy balance.