TRPA1, the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1, is a non-selective cation channel permeable to Ca(2+), Na(+), and K(+). It is a promiscuous chemical nocisensor involved in noxious cold, mechanical sensation, and is present in nociceptive sensory neurons and other cells [2]. TRPA1 has up to 18 N-terminal ankyrin repeats and six membrane-spanning domains. It is well-conserved across species, suggesting an ancestral role in sensation [3].

Preclinical evidence from murine models of pain diseases indicates that oxidative stress and Schwann cell TRPA1 are part of a pathway that sustains chronic pain [1]. In nociceptive neurons of mice, TRPA1 mediates responses to pro-algesic bradykinin and pungent irritants [3]. Also, TRPA1 in immune cells has been linked to conditions like arthritis, anaphylaxis, and atopic dermatitis in murine-related studies, though functional measurements are scarce [4].

In conclusion, TRPA1 plays crucial roles in chemo -, thermo -, and mechano-sensing. Murine models have been instrumental in revealing its role in pain-related diseases and certain immune-mediated conditions. These findings suggest that TRPA1 could be a potential therapeutic target for chronic pain and some inflammatory diseases [1,4].

References:

1. Souza Monteiro de Araujo, Daniel, Nassini, Romina, Geppetti, Pierangelo, De Logu, Francesco. 2020. TRPA1 as a therapeutic target for nociceptive pain. In Expert opinion on therapeutic targets, 24, 997-1008. doi:10.1080/14728222.2020.1815191. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32838583/

2. Zygmunt, Peter M, Högestätt, Edward D. . TRPA1. In Handbook of experimental pharmacology, 222, 583-630. doi:10.1007/978-3-642-54215-2_23. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24756722/

3. García-Añoveros, J, Nagata, K. . TRPA1. In Handbook of experimental pharmacology, , 347-62. doi:. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17217068/

4. Naert, Robbe, López-Requena, Alejandro, Talavera, Karel. 2021. TRPA1 Expression and Pathophysiology in Immune Cells. In International journal of molecular sciences, 22, . doi:10.3390/ijms222111460. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34768891/