Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
12:09
Yeast Luminometric and Xenopus Oocyte Electrophysiological Examinations of the Molecular Mechanosensitivity of TRPV4
Published on: December 31, 2013
Capsaicin receptor: TRPV1 a promiscuous TRP channel
S C Pingle1, J A Matta, G P Ahern
1Department of Pharmacology, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3900 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology
|January 16, 2007
Summary
Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is a capsaicin receptor crucial for pain and heat sensation. This review summarizes TRPV1
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is the capsaicin receptor, primarily expressed in sensory neurons.
- TRPV1 functions as a polymodal cation channel, integrating diverse physical and chemical stimuli.
- It plays a critical role in thermal hyperalgesia and other physiological functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a concise summary of current knowledge regarding the TRPV1 channel.
- To highlight the diverse functions and regulatory mechanisms of TRPV1.
- To underscore TRPV1's role in nociception and inflammatory processes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on TRPV1.
- Analysis of studies detailing TRPV1's molecular properties and tissue distribution.
- Synthesis of information on TRPV1 activation, regulation, and physiological roles.
Main Results:
- TRPV1 is a nonselective cation channel permeable to Ca2+, H+, and other cations.
- It is activated by heat, voltage, vanilloids, lipids, and protons.
- TRPV1 integrates stimuli in nociceptors and is implicated in inflammatory pain.
Conclusions:
- TRPV1 is a key molecular integrator of noxious stimuli, particularly heat and chemical irritants.
- Its regulation by second messenger systems, like phosphorylation, is critical for its function.
- TRPV1 is a significant target for understanding and potentially treating pain and other physiological conditions.
Related Concept Videos
01:43Thermosensation
Peripheral thermosensation is the perception of external temperature. A change in temperature (on the surface of the skin and other tissues) is detected by a family of temperature-sensitive ion channels called Transient Receptor Potential, or TRP, receptors. These receptors are located on free nerve endings. Those detecting cold temperatures are closer to the surface of the skin than the nerve endings detecting warmth. These thermoTRP channels, while temperature selective, have relatively...
01:12Mechanically-gated Ion Channels
Mechanically-gated ion channels are proteins found in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell membranes that open in response to mechanical stress. Tension, compression, swelling, and shear stress can alter the conformation of the protein, opening a transmembrane channel that allows the passage of ions for signal transmission. In eukaryotes, mechanically-gated channels are distributed in several regions like the neurons, lungs, skin, bladder, and heart, where they play critical roles in numerous...
01:12Mechanically-gated Ion Channels
Mechanically-gated ion channels are proteins found in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell membranes that open in response to mechanical stress. Tension, compression, swelling, and shear stress can alter the conformation of the protein, opening a transmembrane channel that allows the passage of ions for signal transmission. In eukaryotes, mechanically-gated channels are distributed in several regions like the neurons, lungs, skin, bladder, and heart, where they play critical roles in numerous...
01:12GPCR Desensitization
G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling plays a crucial role in cell functioning. GPCR desensitization is an equally essential process. It allows cells to respond to changing environments and regain sensitivity to new stimuli while preventing unnecessary stimulation when no longer needed. Prolonged exposure to stimuli leads to GPCR desensitization. It involves blocking the receptors from binding and activating additional G proteins. This inhibits activation of downstream effectors, thereby...
01:24Non-gated Ion Channels
Ion channels are specialized proteins on the plasma membrane that allow charged ions to pass down their electrochemical gradient. Their main function is to maintain the membrane potential which is critical for cell viability. These channels are either gated or non-gated and can transport more than a thousand ions within milliseconds for the cellular event to occur.
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism.
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism.
01:24Non-gated Ion Channels
Ion channels are specialized proteins on the plasma membrane that allow charged ions to pass down their electrochemical gradient. Their main function is to maintain the membrane potential which is critical for cell viability. These channels are either gated or non-gated and can transport more than a thousand ions within milliseconds for the cellular event to occur.
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism.
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism.