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Updated: Mar 20, 2026
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Published on: December 31, 2013
Assay of TRPV1 Receptor Signaling
Aniello Schiano Moriello1, Luciano De Petrocellis2
1Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Pozzuoli, Italy.
Abstract:
The transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 ion channel (TRPV1) is a non-selective ligand-gated cation channel. It is an integrator of a wide variety of exogenous and endogenous physical and chemical stimuli, including capsaicin, noxious heat (>42 °C), and protons (pH < 5.2). TRPV1 is expressed predominantly in primary sensory neurons involved in pain sensation, but also in other neuronal cell types, in the plasma membrane of different non-neuronal cells such as immune cells, keratinocytes, smooth muscle cells, and in the urothelium. Some of these cell types are involved in inflammation. When activated, TRPV1 leads to the gating of cations, including Ca(2+), thus generating changes in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration. Calcium ions play fundamental roles in many cellular processes, virtually in all cells. The use of Ca(2+) fluorescent indicators is a tool for monitoring intracellular Ca(2+) concentration.In this chapter, we describe a method for recording and monitoring Ca(2+) signals through the single wavelength fluorescent indicator Fluo-4 acetoxymethyl (AM), and the ratiometric fluorescent indicator Fura-2 AM in HEK-293 cells transfected with TRPV1 and other TRP channels. TRPV1 pharmacological modulation may potentially represent a strategy for the control of pain and inflammatory conditions in a variety of diseases and injury states.
Insights
Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid-1 ion channel (TRPV1) integrates various stimuli and is found in sensory neurons and non-neuronal cells. Monitoring intracellular calcium (Ca2+) signals using fluorescent indicators in TRPV1-expressing cells can aid pain and inflammation research.
Area of Science:
- Ion channel research
- Cellular signaling
- Pain and inflammation mechanisms
Background:
- Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) is a non-selective cation channel activated by heat, capsaicin, and low pH.
- TRPV1 is expressed in sensory neurons and various non-neuronal cells, including immune cells and keratinocytes, playing a role in inflammation.
- Intracellular calcium (Ca2+) signaling is crucial for cellular processes, and its monitoring is essential for understanding TRPV1 function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a method for recording and monitoring Ca2+ signals in cells expressing TRPV1.
- To utilize fluorescent indicators for visualizing Ca2+ dynamics in response to TRPV1 activation.
- To explore the potential of TRPV1 modulation for managing pain and inflammatory conditions.
Main Methods:
- HEK-293 cells were transfected with TRPV1 and other TRP channels.
- Calcium (Ca2+) signals were recorded using single-wavelength (Fluo-4 AM) and ratiometric (Fura-2 AM) fluorescent indicators.
- Intracellular Ca2+ concentration changes were monitored in response to stimuli.
Main Results:
- The study successfully demonstrated a method for monitoring Ca2+ signals in TRPV1-expressing cells.
- Fluorescent indicators effectively visualized changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration.
- The method provides a tool for studying TRPV1 activity and its role in cellular responses.
Conclusions:
- TRPV1 plays a significant role in integrating physical and chemical stimuli.
- Monitoring Ca2+ signals in TRPV1-expressing cells is a valuable research approach.
- Pharmacological targeting of TRPV1 offers potential therapeutic strategies for pain and inflammation.
