Imbalance and dysfunction of transient receptor potential channels contribute to the pathogenesis of hypertension

Intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis is essential for vascular function and blood pressure regulation. Because of their unique roles in regulating intracellular Ca2+ concentration and vascular function, a novel class of non-selective cation channels, called transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, have emerged at the frontier of hypertension research. Based on their role in vasculature function regulation, TRP channels can be divided into two functional subtypes: one that participates in vasoconstriction and one that participates in vasodilatation. A functional imbalance of these two subtypes of TRP channels may disturb intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) homeostasis, and the consequent vascular dysfunction may contribute to the development of hypertension. The potential of these TRP channels as novel pharmacological targets for the treatment of human hypertension is of great interest.