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Functional relationship between peripheral thermosensation and behavioral thermoregulation

Summary

This review explains how your body senses temperature through specialized proteins called TRP channels, which detect hot and cold stimuli. These temperature-sensing proteins help you and other animals regulate body temperature by triggering behaviors like seeking warmth or coolness. Importantly, the review shows that the fatty acid composition of cell membranes can fine-tune how sensitive these temperature sensors are, offering insights into how organisms adapt to different thermal environments.

Background

Thermoregulation is fundamental for maintaining homeostasis as temperature affects all biochemical and physiological processes. While physiological thermoregulation pathways are well-characterized, the neuronal pathways associated with behavioral thermoregulation remain less understood. Thermoreceptors, particularly Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels, play pivotal roles in temperature sensation across diverse species.

Objective

This review aims to provide an overview of thermosensitive TRP channel functions in behavioral thermoregulation based on studies involving mice and Drosophila melanogaster. The goal is to elucidate the relationship between peripheral thermosensation and behavioral responses to temperature changes.

Results

Studies identified 11 thermosensitive TRP channels in mammals with distinct temperature activation thresholds. In Drosophila, multiple TRP channels and ionotropic receptors mediate temperature sensation. Knockout studies revealed that membrane lipids, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids and ether phospholipids, modulate thermosensitive TRP channel activity and thermoregulatory behavior.

Conclusion

Peripheral thermosensation through TRP channels is critical for behavioral thermoregulation in both homeotherms and ectotherms. Membrane lipid composition significantly influences thermoreceptor function and temperature preference. Further research using connectomics and molecular approaches will elucidate the complete neural circuits underlying temperature-dependent physiological responses.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Neural Circuits,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 39045140
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