TRPC4

The short transient receptor potential channel 4 (TrpC4), also known as Trp-related protein 4, is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the TRPC4 is_associated_with::gene.

Function
TrpC4 is a member of the is_associated_with::transient receptor potential cation channels. This protein forms a non-selective calcium-permeable cation channel that is activated by Gq-coupled receptors and is_associated_with::tyrosine kinases, and plays a role in multiple processes including is_associated_with::endothelial permeability, is_associated_with::vasodilation, is_associated_with::neurotransmitter release and cell proliferation.

Tissue distribution
The nonselective cation channel TrpC4 has been shown to be present in high abundance in the cortico-limbic regions of the brain. In addition, TRPC4 mRNA is present in midbrain is_associated_with::dopaminergic neurons in the is_associated_with::ventral tegmental area and the is_associated_with::substantia nigra.

Roles
Deletion of the trpc4 gene decreases levels of sociability in a social exploration task. These results suggest that TRPC4 may play a role in regulating social anxiety in a number of different disorders. However deletion of the trpc4 gene had no impact on basic or complex strategic learning. Given that the trpc4 gene is expressed in a select population of midbrain dopamine neurons it has been proposed that is may have an important role in dopamine related processes including addiction and attention.

Clinical significance
is_associated_with::Single nucleotide polymorphisms in this gene may be associated with is_associated_with::generalized epilepsy with photosensitivity.

Interactions
TRPC4 has been shown to interact with is_associated_with::ITPR1, is_associated_with::TRPC1,   and is_associated_with::TRPC5.