Heterogeneous TRP Channel Model of a Chordotonal Neuron Might Explain Drosophila Hearing

Abstract

© 2020, The Korean Physical Society.Here, we propose a model for the Drosophila chordotonal neurons where the axoneme is an actively contracting wire, regulated by the calcium ion concentration. To date, which of Nanchung-inactive and no mechanoreceptor potential C channels are transient receptor potential channels (TRP) in chordotonal sensory cilia is still not clear. Our theory explains previous experimental findings, including non-linear gating compliance and spontaneous oscillation of the antenna. It also explains that neural signaling takes place only at amplitudes of mechanical stimulation much higher than those generating active amplification, which has not been explained so far within the conventional single-type TRP channel model