Trpc4, a member of the transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels, conducts cations into cells, participating in functions ranging from sensory perception to intracellular signaling [1]. It is involved in pathways related to pulmonary hypertension, body temperature regulation, and emotional processing [2,3,5]. Genetic models, such as knockout mice, have been crucial in understanding its functions.

In knockout studies, TRPC4 -deficient mice have shown its role in regulating vascular tone, endothelial permeability, gastrointestinal contractility, and neurotransmitter release [4]. In hypoxic pulmonary hypertension, knockdown of TRPC4 in pulmonary arterial endothelial cells attenuated apoptosis, suppressing disease progression [2]. In the regulation of body temperature, silencing TRPC4 in mice substantially attenuated hypothermia induced by heating of the preoptic area, indicating its importance in warm sensing [3].

In conclusion, Trpc4 plays essential roles in multiple biological processes, as revealed through model-based research. Its function in diseases like hypoxic pulmonary hypertension and in body temperature regulation has been illuminated by gene-knockout mouse models, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in these areas.