TRPC3 protein is expressed across the lifespan in human prefrontal cortex and cerebellum

The canonical transient receptor potential type 3 (TRPC3) channel is a non-selective, voltage-independent cation channel that is expressed in both excitable and non-excitable cells. As little is known regarding its presence in human brain and the influence of age on its expression, we examined TRPC3 protein expression by immunoblotting in postmortem prefrontal cortex and cerebellum obtained from subjects (8 days to 83 years) with no history of psychiatric or neurological disorder. The expression of TRPC3 protein in the prefrontal cortex (Brodmann area A9/A10) of the neonates/infants (< 2 y) was significantly higher (25%) than that in the adolescent to adult (11y–83y) age group, whereas cerebellar TRPC3 levels showed no age-related changes. The results indicate that TRPC3 may be developmentally regulated in prefrontal cortex, and its expression in discrete human brain regions throughout the lifespan suggests a physiological role for TRPC3 during postnatal and adult life.