Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: TRP , TRPV , TRPV4

Title: The TRPV4 cation channel: A molecule linking skin temperature and barrier function.

Authors: Takaaki Sokabe, Makoto Tominaga

Journal, date & volume: Commun Integr Biol, 2010 Nov , 3, 619-21

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21331258

Abstract
The skin barrier function is indispensable for terrestrial animals to avoid dehydration. The function is achieved by a hydrophobic cornified layer consisting of dead keratinocytes and lipids, and by an intercellular junction barrier formed among differentiated keratinocytes. A recent report demonstrated that TRPV4, one of the temperature-sensitive cation channels, contributes to the formation and maintenance of the intercellular junction-dependent barrier in the skin. TRPV4 associates with the E-cadherin complex via β-catenin, and thereby participates in the promotion of cell-cell junction development. TRPV4 allows influx of Ca(2+) ions from the extracellular space at physiological skin temperatures. The Ca(2+) influx induces Rho activation and promotes actin fiber organization and junction formation, thereby augmenting barrier integrity. Indeed, the intercellular junction structures and the skin barrier function were impaired in TRPV4-deficeint mice. This novel role of TRPV4 in keratinocytes may explain the significant correlation between temperature and the condition of skin.>