Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: TRP , TRPV , TRPV1

Title: Anoctamin 1 mediates thermal pain as a heat sensor.

Authors: Hawon Cho, Uhtaek Oh

Journal, date & volume: Curr Neuropharmacol, 2013 Dec , 11, 641-51

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24396339

Abstract
Vertebrates can sense and avoid noxious heat that evokes pain. Many thermoTRP channels are associated with temperature sensation. TRPV1 is a representative ion channel that is activated by noxious heat. Anoctamin 1 (ANO1) is a Cl- channel activated by calcium that is highly expressed in small sensory neurons, colocalized with markers for nociceptors, and most surprisingly, activated by noxious heat over 44oC. Although ANO1 is a Cl- channel, opening of this channel leads to depolarization of sensory neurons, suggesting a role in nociception. Indeed, the functional deletion of ANO1 in sensory neurons triggers the reduction in thermal pain sensation. Thus, it seems clear that ANO1 is a heat sensor in a nociceptive pathway. Since ANO1 modulators are developed for the purpose of treating chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, this finding is likely to predict unwanted effects and provide a guide for better developmental strategy.