Expression and association of TRPC1 with TRPC3 during skeletal myogenesis

Introduction: TRPC1 and TRPC3 proteins are widely expressed in skeletal muscles in forming calcium-permeable channels. Herein we characterize the expression pattern of TRPC transcripts during skeletal myogenesis in C2C12 myo-blasts. Methods: We used polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting to detect expression levels, immunohistochemistry for subcellular localization, and co-immunoprecipitation techniques to assess interaction. Results: TRPC1 localizes to the cytoplasm and is enriched in the perinuclear region in undifferentiated myoblasts. Expression of TRPC1 increases significantly during myogenesis and resides mainly in differentiated myocytes and myotubes. TRPC3 is absent in undifferentiated myoblasts, is dramatically upregulated in differentiated culture, and is preferentially expressed in myotubes. Physical interaction of TRPC1-TRPC3 was observed, suggesting the possible existence of heteromers. Conclusions: Expression of TRPC1 and TRPC3 is tightly regulated during myogensis. Evidence of TRPC1-TRPC3 interaction was first demonstrated in a muscle cell line. The functional consequences of this interaction remain to be established.