Description:
<jats:p>The TRP superfamily of cation channels encompasses 28 mammalian members related to the product of the <jats:italic>Drosophila trp</jats:italic> (transient receptor potential) gene. TRP channels have a widespread distribution in many cell types and organs and gate in response to a broad variety of physical and chemical stimuli; as such, they can be considered as ubiquitous cellular sensors. Several recent studies reported modulation of different TRP channels by phosphoinositides, in particular by phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>). In most cases, PIP<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> promotes TRP channel activation. Here we provide a brief overview of current insights and controversies about the mechanisms and structural determinants of PIP<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>–TRP channel interactions, and zoom in on the regulation of the Ca<jats:sup>2+</jats:sup>‐ and voltage‐gated TRPM4 by phosphoinositides.</jats:p>