TRPA1

Last updated on: 02.04.2024

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HistoryThis section has been translated automatically.

TRP channels are phylogenetic early signaling pathways (they can already be detected in yeast cells). The first TRP channel was identified in 1989 in connection with visual perception in Drosophila melanogaster. In a mutant of Drosophila (trp343), it was shown that its photoreceptors responded to light stimuli only with a transient, i.e. rapidly inactivating membrane current. In the non-mutated wild type, however, the current flow persisted as long as light hit the photoreceptor. The mutant protein -TRP- was cloned in 1989. Thus, the name "transient receptor potential" - TRP- refers to the description of a phenotype of a mutant of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster.

TRP channels exert important functions in primary signaling pathways for the regulated influx of Ca2+ into a cell in both vertebrates and non-vertebrates. To date, 28 TRP channel genes have been identified in mammals (Nilius B et al. 2011). In humans, TRP channels play an important role in the sensation of different types of taste (sweet, bitter, umami) as well as in the perception of pain, heat, hot or cold, pressure and light. It is assumed that some TRP channels in the body behave like microscopic thermosensors.

Some TRP channels are activated by molecules contained in spices such as garlic(allicin), chili pepper(capsaicin), wasabi (allyl isothiocyanate). Others are activated by menthol, camphor, peppermint and cooling agents. Still others are activated by molecules found in cannabis (i.e. THC, CBD and CBN). Some act as sensors of osmotic pressure, volume, stretch and vibration.

TRP channelopathies are caused by mutations in genes that encode TRP channels. Several hereditary diseases in humans (so-called "TRP channelopathies") that affect the cardiovascular, renal, skeletal, nervous system and endocrine organs are summarized under this name (Nilius B et al. 2011). TRP channels are also promising targets for drug development. For example, a number of potent small molecule TRPV1 channel antagonists (occasionally also TRPM8 antagonists) are now showing therapeutic benefit in the treatment of inflammatory and neuropathic pain (Moran MM et al. 2018).

DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

TRPA1 (acronym for "transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily A, member 1"), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TRPA1 gene located on chromosome 8q21.11 (Kremeyer B et al. 2010). TRPA1 is an ion channel located on the plasma membrane of many human (and animal) cells. In humans, this ion channel serves as a chemosensor that also responds to thermal and mechanical stimuli (Logashina YA et al. 2019, Andersen HH et al. 2015). TRPA1 triggers after its activation versch. Protective responses such as lacrimation, increased airway resistance and coughing). The noxious sensation of cold is also likely transduced through TRPA1 channels. Furthermore, TRPA1 appears to be an essential component of the mechanosensitive transduction channel of vertebrate hair cells (Corey et al. 2004).

Structurally, TRPA1 contains 14 N-terminal ankyrin repeats (ankyrin-repeats). "Ankyrins" are a family of proteins, called repeat proteins, that contain ankyrin-like repeats in their structure. Ankyrins occupy key roles in activities such as cell motility, activation, proliferation, contact, and maintenance of specialized membrane domains. Using cryo-electron microscopy, a three-dimensional structure of TRPA1 could be visualized. It is shown that the ion channel is assembled as a homotetramer and has several structural features that indicate its complex functions.

General informationThis section has been translated automatically.

TRPA1 is expressed together with TRPV1 on nociceptive primary afferent C-fibers in humans. This subpopulation of peripheral C-fibers is considered an important nociception sensor in humans, and its activation leads to pain under normal conditions. Thus, it seems indisputable that one of the functions of TRPA1 is the detection, integration, and initiation of pain signals in the peripheral nervous system. For example, in lesional areas (traumatic or inflammatory), neuronal signals are initiated directly by endogenous mediators (e.g., bradykinin) or indirectly via various G-protein-coupled receptors.

Furthermore, TRPA1 is considered a "chemosensor" in the body. Thus, TRPA1 is activated by a number of reactive substances such as: allyl isothiocyanate (pungent components of mustard, horseradish and wasabi), cinnamaldehyde, farnesylthiosalicylic acid, formalin, hydrogen peroxide, 4-hydroxynonenal and acrolein and non-reactive compounds such as nicotine among others (McNamara CR et al. 2007). Versch. animal experimental results suggest that caffeine suppresses human TRPA1 activity.

Metabolites of acetaminophen (paracetaminophen) have been shown to bind to TRPA1 receptors, which may result in receptor desensitization. This is proposed as an antinociceptive mechanism for paracetamol.

PathophysiologyThis section has been translated automatically.

A missense mutation of TRPA1 was found to be the cause of autosomal dominant inherited episodic pain syndrome (OMIM: 615040; reviewed in Kremeyer B et al. 2010).

Oxalate, a metabolite of oxaliplatin, has been shown to inhibit prolyl hydroxylase, which confers a kind of "pseudocold sensitivity" to cold-insensitive human TRPA1 (via reactive oxygen production from mitochondria). This may cause a characteristic side effect of oxaliplatin (cold-induced acute peripheral neuropathy (Miyake T et al. (2016)

TRPA1 can be considered as one of the most "promiscuous" TRP ion channels. It is apparently activated by a large number of mostly electrophilic chemicals. They form reversible covalent bonds with cysteine residues present in the ion channel. These include the agonistic ligands: allicin, allyl isothiocyanates, cannabidiol, gingerol, icilin, polygodial, hepoxilins A3 and B3, cinnamaldehydes [Lim JY et al (2015). Activation of the TRPA1 ion channel by the phenolic olive oil compound oleocanthal appears to be responsible for the olive oil-induced pungent or "peppery" sensation in the posterior pharynx.

Bradykinin activates TRPA1 via its G-protein-coupled receptor. At the same time, the involvement of phospholipase C was verified as an important component in the signal transduction pathway of TRPA1 activation. For some non-electrophilic agents such as thymol and menthol, the activation mechanism of TRPA1 is unclear.

Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.

Pharmacologically-therapeutically, TRPA1 is considered an attractive pain target. For example, TRPA1 knockout mice show near complete attenuation of nociceptive behavior to formalin and other reactive chemicals. TRPA1 antagonists are effective in blocking pain behaviors induced by inflammation (complete Freund's adjuvant and formalin).

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Andersen HH et al. (2015) Human surrogate models of histaminergic and non-histaminergic itch". Acta Dermato-Venereologica. 95: 771-777.
  2. Barley NF et al.(2001) Epithelial calcium transporter expression in human duodenum. Am. J. Physiol. Gastrointest Liver Physiol 280: G285-G290.
  3. Corey DP et al. (2004) TRPA1 is a candidate for the mechanosensitive transduction channel of vertebrate hair cells. Nature 432: 723-730
  4. Kremeyer B et al (2010) A gain-of-function mutation in TRPA1 causes familial episodic pain syndrome. Neuron 66: 671-680
  5. Lim JY et al. (2015) Biological Roles of Resolvins and Related Substances in the Resolution of Pain. BioMed Research International doi:10.1155/2015/830930.
  6. Logashina YA et al. (2019) TRPA1 Channel as a Regulator of Neurogenic Inflammation and Pain: Structure, Function, Role in Pathophysiology, and Therapeutic Potential of Ligands. Biochemistry (Mosc) 84:101-118.
  7. McNamara CR et al (2007) TRPA1 mediates formalin-induced pain". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 104 : 13525–30.
  8. Michalick L et al (2020) TRPV4-A Missing Link Between Mechanosensation and Immunity. Front Immunol 11:413.
  9. Moran MM et al. (2018) Targeting nociceptive transient receptor potential channels to treat chronic pain: current state of the field. Br J Pharmacol 175:2185-2203.
  10. Miyake T et al (2016) Cold sensitivity of TRPA1 is unveiled by the prolyl hydroxylation blockade-induced sensitization to ROS". Nature Communications 7: 12840.
  11. Nilius B et al. (2011) The transient receptor potential family of ion channels. Genome Biol 12:218.
  12. Wang Y et al. (2017) Targeting transient receptor potential canonical channels for Diseases of the Nervous System. Curr Drug Targets.18:1460-1465.

Last updated on: 02.04.2024