Transmembrane channel-like 4 is involved in pH and temperature-dependent modulation of salty taste

Human susceptibility to NaCl varies depending on temperature and pH, the molecular mechanisms of which remain unclear. The voltage-dependent chloride channel, transmembrane channel-like 4 (TMC4), is activated at approximately 40 °C and is suppressed at pH 5.5. As these are similar in character to human sensory evaluations, human TMC4 may be involved in human salt taste reception.