Current perspectives on the modulation of thermo-TRP channels: new advances and therapeutic implications

Abstract

The thermo transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels, a recently discovered family of ion channels activated by temperature, are expressed in primary sensory nerve terminals, where they provide information regarding thermal changes in the environment. Six thermo-TRPs have been characterized to date: TRPV1–4, which respond to different levels of warmth and heat, and TRPM8 and TRPA1, which respond to cool temperatures. We review the current state of knowledge of thermo-TRPs, and of the modulation of their thermal thresholds by a range of inflammatory mediators. Blockers of these channels are likely to have therapeutic uses as novel analgesics but may also cause unacceptable side effects. Controlling the modulation of thermo-TRPs by inflammatory mediators may be a useful alternative strategy in developing novel analgesics.

Keywords::

• artemin
• hyperalgesia
• neurotrophic factor
• nociceptor
• pain
• sensitization
• thermo-transient receptor potential ion channel
• TRPV1

Acknowledgements

We thank Michael Fischer for his comments on the manuscript.

>Financial & competing interests disclosure

Work in the authors’ laboratory was supported by grants from the BBSRC, the Human Frontiers Science Program, the Newton Trust, the Helmholtz Foundation, the European Union and the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.