VOLTAGE AND TEMPERATURE: GATING OF THERMO TRP CHANNELS

Abstract

In this chapter we address the puzzle of thermoTRP channel temperature and voltage sensitivity from a biophysical point of view. We deal with the problem through a classic thermodynamic approach, followed by a comparison of thermoTRPs’ behavior with our present knowledge regarding protein structure folding. On the basis of their temperature dependence and voltage dependence, we propose a general allosteric model for thermoTRP channel gating.