Dryn D. Biophysical properties of TRPC4 and TRPV4 cation channels and their role in the regulation of the smooth muscles contraction

This research addressed the role of TRPV4 and TRPC4 channels in the regulation of vascular and visceral smooth muscle cells contraction, as well as biophysical properties of these cation channels. The first aim of our study was to reveal the role of mechanosensitive TRPV4-channels in calcium signaling and associated contractile responses of rat pulmonary arteries induced by the activation of ?1-adrenoceptors. The results show the functional expression of TRPV4-channels and the presence of a functional interaction between TRPV4, voltage-gated L-type Ca2+ channels and BKCa-channels in smooth muscle cells of the rat pulmonary artery, and indicate its involvement in the regulation of pulmonary artery vascular tone. As it is already known, a number of pathologies are associated with the dysfunction of TRPV4-channels (such as pulmonary hypertension, for instance), so there is a possibility of their use as novel pharmacological targets for treating corresponding abnormalities.