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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/trpv4/

TRPV4 gene

transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4

Normal Function

The TRPV4 gene provides instructions for making a protein that acts as a calcium channel. This channel, which transports positively charged atoms of calcium (calcium ions) across cell membranes, is found in many types of cells and tissues. Studies suggest that the TRPV4 channel plays a role in a number of different functions in the body. These include the development of bones and cartilage, the tough but flexible tissue that makes up much of the skeleton during early development. It is also be involved in maintaining the body's water balance (osmoregulation) and in certain types of sensation, particularly the sensation of pain. The TRPV4 channel may also play a role in the self-destruction of cells (apoptosis). It likely has additional functions that have not been identified.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

MedlinePlus Genetics provides information about Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

More About This Health Condition

Metatropic dysplasia

At least 30 mutations in the TRPV4 gene have been identified in people with metatropic dysplasia, a skeletal disorder characterized by short stature (dwarfism) with other skeletal abnormalities. Most of these mutations change single protein building blocks (amino acids) in the TRPV4 calcium channel. However, a few mutations insert or delete pieces of DNA in the TRPV4 gene.

Studies suggest that the TRPV4 gene mutations that cause metatropic dysplasia overactivate the TRPV4 calcium channel. The resulting increase in calcium in cartilage-forming cells (chondrocytes) may disrupt the early development of cartilage and bone. However, it remains unclear why these mutations affect chondrocytes specifically and how changes in TRPV4 channel activity result in the particular skeletal abnormalities associated with metatropic dysplasia.

More About This Health Condition

Other disorders

Mutations in the TRPV4 gene cause a variety of other conditions, most of which affect the developing skeleton or the nervous system.

In addition to metatropic dysplasia, skeletal disorders associated with TRPV4 gene mutations include autosomal dominant brachyolmia; spondylometaphyseal dysplasia, Kozlowski type; spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, Maroteaux type; and parastremmatic dysplasia. These related conditions involve combinations of short stature, abnormal side-to-side and back-to-front curvature of the spine (kyphoscoliosis), and other problems with developing bones.

Mutations in the TRPV4 gene also cause neurological disorders. This spectrum of related conditions includes Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2C, congenital distal spinal muscular atrophy, which is characterized by weakness of muscles in the legs and hips, and scapuloperoneal spinal muscular atrophy, which involves weakness and wasting (atrophy) of muscles in the shoulders and lower legs.

Most of the TRPV4 gene mutations that cause these skeletal and neurological disorders change single amino acids in the TRPV4 calcium channel. These mutations likely result in an overactive channel, although some research suggests that the mutations may have different effects on channel function in different tissues. Certain TRPV4 gene mutations have been found to cause skeletal disorders in some people and neurological disorders in others. Additionally, some TRPV4 gene mutations can cause both skeletal and neurological features in the same individual. Researchers are working to determine how TRPV4 gene mutations can cause this wide variety of signs and symptoms.

Another bone disorder, known as familial digital arthropathy-brachydactyly, has also been associated with mutations in the TRPV4 gene. This condition is characterized by arthritis in the joints of the fingers and toes (arthropathy) and shortened fingers and toes (brachydactyly). The mutations that cause this condition appear to impair the function of the TRPV4 calcium channel, preventing it from transporting calcium ions effectively. It is unclear how a loss of channel function leads to the specific features of this condition.

Common variations (polymorphisms) in the TRPV4 gene have been associated with two additional disorders: hyponatremia, which is a condition of water imbalance that can cause dangerous brain swelling, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common lung disease that causes difficulty breathing. It has not been determined how differences in the function of the TRPV4 calcium channel are related to these two conditions.

Because mutations in the TRPV4 gene are associated with such a wide array of conditions, some researchers have proposed referring to all TRPV4-related disorders as TRPV4-associated peripheral neuropathy and bony dysplasias (TRPV4-PNAB) or TRPV4-opathies.

Other Names for This Gene

  • osm-9-like TRP channel 4
  • OSM9-like transient receptor potential channel 4
  • osmosensitive transient receptor potential channel 4
  • OTRPC4
  • SPSMA
  • SSQTL1
  • transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V, member 4
  • transient receptor potential protein 12
  • TRP12
  • TRPV4_HUMAN
  • vanilloid receptor-like channel 2
  • vanilloid receptor-related osmotically activated channel
  • VR-OAC
  • VRL-2
  • VRL2
  • VROAC

Additional Information & Resources

Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry

Scientific Articles on PubMed

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

Gene and Variant Databases

References

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