Adding efficiency: the role of the CAN ion channels TRPM4 and TRPM5 in pancreatic islets

Abstract

Insulin secretion in β-pancreatic cells after glucose stimulation requires the concerted action of a number of different ion channels. The main players seem to be the ATP sensitive K(+) (KATP-) channels, and voltage gated ion channels that drive Ca(2+) influx into β-cells. Recently two calcium activated nonselective (CAN) cation channels (TRPM4 and TRPM5) have been shown to influence efficient insulin response upon glucose stimulation. This addendum summarizes the data known for these two TRP channels in β-cells, discusses some of the remaining open questions and addresses a possible scenario that involves and integrates the triggering and amplifying pathway of glucose mediated insulin secretion.