Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily A, Member 1 (TRPA1)

TRPA1 is a member of the transient receptor potential channel family. TRPA1, contains 14 N-terminal ankyrin repeats and is believed to function as a mechanical stress sensor. The specific function of this protein has not yet been determined; however, studies indicate the function may involve a role in signal transduction and growth control. Recent studies indicate that TRPA1 is activated by a number reactive compounds (allyl isothiocyanate, cinnamaldehyde, farnesyl thiosalicylic acid, Nicotine and its structural analogues formalin, hydrogen peroxide, 4-hydroxynonenal, and acrolein) and considered as a 'chemosensor' in the body. TRPA1 is considered as an attractive pain target based on the fact that TRPA1 knockout mice showed near complete attenuation of formalin-induced pain behaviors.