Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 30, 2025

A Simple and Inexpensive Method for Determining Cold Sensitivity and Adaptation in Mice
Published on: March 17, 2015
The role of TRPA1 channels in thermosensation
Hao Zhang1, Chengsan Wang1,2, Keyi Zhang2,3
1Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Engineering Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides, National & Local Joint Engineering Center of Natural Bioactive Peptides, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, and National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650107, Yunnan, China.
Abstract:
Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is a polymodal nonselective cation channel sensitive to different physical and chemical stimuli. TRPA1 is associated with many important physiological functions in different species and thus is involved in different degrees of evolution. TRPA1 acts as a polymodal receptor for the perceiving of irritating chemicals, cold, heat, and mechanical sensations in various animal species. Numerous studies have supported many functions of TRPA1, but its temperature-sensing function remains controversial. Although TRPA1 is widely distributed in both invertebrates and vertebrates, and plays a crucial role in tempreture sensing, the role of TRPA1 thermosensation and molecular temperature sensitivity are species-specific. In this review, we summarize the temperature-sensing role of TRPA1 orthologues in terms of molecular, cellular, and behavioural levels.
Related Concept Videos
Thermosensation
Mechanically-gated Ion Channels
G-Protein Gated Ion Channels
Sensory...
Thermoregulation
Body Temperature
Enzyme-linked Receptors
Neurotrophin (NT) receptors are a family of RTKs, including trkA, trkB, and trkC (tropomyosin-related kinase) receptors. TrkA is specific for nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-6, and neurotrophin-7. TrkB binds...

