TRPC absence induces pro-inflammatory macrophages and gut microbe disorder, sensitizing mice to colitis

The transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels, encoded in seven non-allelic genes, are important contributors to calcium fluxes, are strongly associated with various diseases. Here we explored the consequences of ablating all seven TRPCs in mice focusing on colitis. We discovered that absence of all seven TRPC proteins in mice (TRPC HeptaKO mice) promotes the development of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. RNA-sequence analysis highlighted an extremely pro-inflammatory profile in colons of DSS-treated TRPC HeptaKO mice, with an amount of increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Flow cytometry analysis showed that the infiltration of Ly6C