Role of TRP Channels in Skin Diseases

Abstract The skin is located at the interface of the body system and the environment. It maintains the body homeostasis by protecting the internal organs against harmful stimuli (e.g., temperature, UV-light). Moreover, the skin serves also as an immune organ and communicates with the nervous system. Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels are a large group of nonselective cation-ion ­channels, expressed on neuronal as well as various skin cells. They play a key role in many skin functions, for ­example, epidermal barrier regulation, thermosensation, immune defense, and melanocyte control. However, TRP channels are also critically involved in the pathophysiology of many skin diseases. Here, we give a comprehensive overview about the recent findings of TRP-channels in skin diseases.