TRP channels in cell survival and cell death in normal and transformed cells

TRP channels form a superfamily of channel proteins exhibiting versatile regulatory characteristics with many channels participating in the regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis and influencing the cell fate. Multitude of evidence is emerging that the colocalization of TRP channels with Ca2+-sensing elements of specific regulatory pathways leading to either proliferation or apoptosis is what makes these channels participate in cell fate regulation and, in turn, determines the final effect of Ca2+ entry via the particular channel. This review focuses on the aspects of TRP channel localization and function that affect the balance between cell survival and death and how various dysregulations of these channels may lead to perturbed balance and onset of cancer. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.