(CIT): Neurotransmitters, hormones, and pharmacologic agents act by binding specific receptors on the cell surface. Dr. Clapham's lab is interested in how a receptor initiates intracellular events such as the opening of ion channels, the activation of enzymes, or the release of intracellular calcium; and the structures, functions, and relations of receptors, G proteins, ion channels, and calcium. The transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily comprises a group of non-selective cation channels that sense and respond to changes in their local environments. TRP channels are found in many eukaryotes, from yeast to mammals. They are a diverse group of proteins organized into six families. In the peripheral nervous system, stimuli including temperature, pressure, inflammatory agents, and receptor activation effect TRP-mediated responses.