Anti-TRPM5

This gene encodes a member of the transient receptor potential (TRP) protein family, which is a diverse group of proteins with structural features typical of ion channels. This protein plays an important role in taste transduction, and has characteristics of a calcium-activated, non-selective cation channel that carries Na+, K+, and Cs+ ions equally well, but not Ca(2+) ions. It is activated by lower concentrations of intracellular Ca(2+), and inhibited by higher concentrations. It is also a highly temperature-sensitive, heat activated channel showing a steep increase of inward currents at temperatures between 15 and 35 degrees Celsius. This gene is located within the Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome critical region-1 on chromosome 11p15.5, and has been shown to be imprinted, with exclusive expression from the paternal allele. Protein function: Voltage-modulated Ca(2+)-activated, monovalent cation channel (VCAM) that mediates a transient membrane depolarization and plays a central role in taste transduction. Monovalent- specific, non-selective cation channel that mediates the transport of Na(+), K(+) and Cs(+) ions equally well. Activated directly by increases in intracellular Ca(2+), but is impermeable to it. Gating is voltage-dependent and displays rapid activation and deactivation kinetics upon channel stimulation even during sustained elevations in Ca(2+). Also activated by a fast intracellular Ca(2+) increase in response to inositol 1,4,5- triphosphate-producing receptor agonists. The channel is blocked by extracellular acidification. External acidification has 2 effects, a fast reversible block of the current and a slower irreversible enhancement of current inactivation. Is a highly temperature-sensitive, heat activated channel showing a steep increase of inward currents at temperatures between 15 and 35 degrees Celsius. Heat activation is due to a shift of the voltage- dependent activation curve to negative potentials. Activated by arachidonic acid in vitro. May be involved in perception of bitter, sweet and umami tastes. May also be involved in sensing semiochemicals. [The UniProt Consortium]