Syntaxin 5 regulates the endoplasmic reticulum channel-release properties of polycystin-2.

Polycystin-2 (PC2), the gene product of one of two genes mutated in dominant polycystic kidney disease, is a member of the transient receptor potential cation channel family and can function as intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) release channel. We performed a yeast two-hybrid screen by using the NH(2) terminus of PC2 and identified syntaxin-5 (Stx5) as a putative interacting partner. Coimmunoprecipitation studies in cell lines and kidney tissues confirmed interaction of PC2 with Stx5 in vivo.

Transient receptor potential channels as drug targets.

The mammalian transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily of ion channels consists of voltage-independent, non-selective cation channels that are expressed in excitable and non-excitable cells. The biologic roles of TRP channels are diverse and include vascular tone, thermosensation, irritant stimuli sensing and flow sensing in the kidney. TRP channels are a relatively new target in therapeutic drug discovery.