Transient receptor potential channel regulation by growth factors

Calcium (Ca2+) is one of the most universal secondary messengers, owing its success to the immense concentration gradient across the plasma membrane. Dysregulation of Ca2+ homeostasis can result in severe cell dysfunction, thereby initiating several pathologies like tumorigenesis and fibrosis. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels represent a superfamily of Ca2+-permeable ion channels that convey diverse physical and chemical stimuli into a physiological signal. Their broad expression pattern and gating promiscuity support their potential involvement in the cellular response to an altering environment. Growth factors (GF) are essential biochemical messengers that contribute to these environmental changes. Since Ca2+ is essential in GF signaling, altering TRP channel expression or function could be a valid strategy for GF to exert their effect onto their target. In this review, a comprehensive understanding of the current knowledge regarding the activation and/or modulation of TRP channels by GF is presented.