Connecting TRP Channels and Cerebrovascular Diseases

TRP channels participate in cation regulation and play crucial roles in a range of vascular functions. In the cerebral circulation, multiple members of this channel superfamily have been reported to be involved with smooth muscle cell proliferation, the development of myogenic tone, and in the regulation of blood flow. TRP channel subunits also influence endothelial permeability, vessel formation, remodeling, and arterial dilation. In this chapter, the authors will briefly outline the key TRP channel subunits, emphasizing on their role in the cerebral circulation. Having defined the key subunits and their role in vascular function/development, the authors will subsequently discuss the connection to cerebrovascular diseases. Of particular interest are the TRP channels that play a role in the development of hypertension and stroke injury.