Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: TRP , TRPA , TRPA1 , TRPM , TRPM8 , TRPV , TRPV1 , TRPV3

Title: The thermo-TRP ion channel family: properties and therapeutic implications.

Authors: Laura Vay, Chunjing Gu, Peter A McNaughton

Journal, date & volume: , 2011 Jul 28 , ,

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21797839

Abstract
The thermo-transient receptor potentials (TRPs), a recently discovered family of ion channels activated by temperature, are expressed in primary sensory nerve terminals where they provide information about thermal changes in the environment. Six thermo-TRPs have been characterised to date: TRP vanilloid (TRPV) 1 and 2 are activated by painful levels of heat, TRPV3 and 4 respond to non-painful warmth, TRP melastatin 8 is activated by non-painful cool temperatures, while TRP ankyrin (TRPA) 1 is activated by painful cold. The thermal thresholds of many thermo-TRPs are known to be modulated by extracellular mediators, released by tissue damage or inflammation, such as bradykinin, PG and growth factors. There have been intensive efforts recently to develop antagonists of thermo-TRP channels, particularly of the noxious thermal sensors TRPV1 and TRPA1. Blockers of these channels are likely to have therapeutic uses as novel analgesics, but may also cause unacceptable side effects. Controlling the modulation of thermo-TRPs by inflammatory mediators may be a useful alternative strategy in developing novel analgesics.