Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) targeted PET imaging

Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) was identified using capsaicin, a pungent compound that is present in red pepper. The activation of TRPV1 induces an influx of calcium ions into cells and causes excitation of sensory neurons, associating with thermal sensing, sweating and pain. TRPV1 is also identified in various types of cancer cells. The expression of TRPV1 in cancer cells depends on the type of cancer and the stage of the disease. Therefore, TRPV1 has been considered a potential target of medicinal chemistry for drug development, and blocking its activation may lead to cancer therapy and pain relief. However, the details of the pathophysiological function of TRPV1 in vivo are still unclear. To explore practical use of TRPV1, we focused on positron emission tomography imaging and developed a 11C-radiolabeled tracer to visualize TRPV1.