Differential expression and functional role of the TRPC family channels in cell lines derived from the GnRH system

In order to analyze the specific role of two members of the TRPC family of ion channels, TRPC1 and TRPC4, in the control of functional properties at different stages of neuronal development, two immortalized cell lines derived from gonadotropin releasing hormone type 1 (GnRH) neurones, GN11 and GT1-7 cells, were transiently transfected with anti TRPC siRNAs in order to reduce channel expression. Western Blot experiments showed, that the transfection and subsequent protein ablation had indeed been successful; however, the study of the transfected cells distinctive migratory or neurite expressing phenotypes showed that the reduced expression of neither TRPC1 nor TRPC4 had any visible effect in this expression system.