Calcium-activated non selective (CAN) cation channel that mediates membrane depolarization. While it is activated by increase in intracellular Ca(2+), it is impermeable to it. Mediates transport of monovalent cations (Na(+) > K(+) > Cs(+) > Li(+)), leading to depolarize the membrane. It thereby plays a central role in cadiomyocytes, neurons from entorhinal cortex, dorsal root and vomeronasal neurons, endocrine pancreas cells, kidney epithelial cells, cochlea hair cells etc. Participates in T-cell activation by modulating Ca(2+) oscillations after T lymphocyte activation, which is required for NFAT-dependent IL2 production. Involved in myogenic constriction of cerebral arteries. Controls insulin secretion in pancreatic beta-cells. May also be involved in pacemaking or could cause irregular electrical activity under conditions of Ca(2+) overload. Affects T-helper 1 (Th1) and T-helper 2 (Th2) cell motility and cytokine production through differential regulation of calcium signaling and NFATC1 localization. Enhances cell proliferation through up-regulation of the beta-catenin signaling pathway.

Involvement in disease:

Defects in TRPM4 are the cause of progressive familial heart block type 1B (PFHB1B) [MIM:604559]. It is a cardiac bundle branch disorder characterized by progressive alteration of cardiac conduction through the His-Purkinje system, with a pattern of a right bundle-branch block and/or left anterior hemiblock occurring individually or together. It leads to complete atrio-ventricular block causing syncope and sudden death.