Cell Physiology

　Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are ion channels activated by various mechanisms including chemical and mechanical stimuli. Several TRP channels have sensitivities to temperatures and are called “thermo-TRPs”. Environmental temperature change is detected at peripheral endings of sensory neurons, to transmit temperature sensation in the range from noxious cold to noxious heat (Figure). Thermo-TRPs activated by harmful high temperature also mediate pain sensation. On the other hand, thermo-TRPs are also localized in tissues continuously surrounded by the core body temperature, such as the brain. We aim to reveal (1) the regulatory mechanism and (2) the physiological/pathological functions of thermo-TRPs’ activities at body temperatures, and to apply thermo-TRPs as potential targets for drug development.