Molecular Regulations and Functions of the Transient Receptor Potential Channels of the Islets of Langerhans and Insulinoma Cells

Insulin secretion from the beta-cells of the islets of Langerhans is triggered mainly by nutrients such as glucose, and incretin hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). The mechanisms of the stimulus-secretion coupling involve the participation of the key enzymes that metabolize the nutrients, and numerous ion channels that mediate the electrical activity. Several members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) channels participate in the processes that mediate the electrical activities and Ca2+ oscillations in these cells. Human beta-cells express TRPC1, TRPM2, TRPM3, TRPM4, TRPM7, TRPP1, TRPML1, and TRPML3 channels. Some of these channels have been reported to mediate background depolarizing currents, store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), electrical activity, Ca2+ oscillations, gene transcription, cell-death, and insulin secretion in response to stimulation by glucose and GLP1. Different channels of the TRP family are regulated by one or more of the following mechanisms: activation of G protein-coupled receptors, the filling state of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ store, heat, oxidative stress, or some second messengers. This review briefly compiles our current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms of regulations, and functions of the TRP channels in the beta-cells, the alpha-cells, and some insulinoma cell lines.