Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 1 (TRPV1)

TRPV1 is a non-selective cation channel that acts as a detector of noxious heat, acidic conditions, capsaicin, and other stimuli. It plays a key role in pain sensation and is predominantly expressed in peripheral nociceptive sensory neurons. Altered TRPV1 function is linked to chronic pain states, making it a therapeutic target for analgesics. Activation leads to influx of cations, primarily Ca2+ and Na+, causing depolarization and pain signal propagation. It can be activated/sensitized by exogenous activators like capsaicin and endogenous modulators such as protons and endocannabinoids. Inflammatory mediators also sensitize the receptor, contributing to hyperalgesia and allodynia. The channel has a tetrameric structure with each subunit containing six transmembrane domains. Cryo-electron microscopy reveals its fourfold symmetry and cytoplasmic basket-like domains.

Other names

Capsaicin receptorVanilloid receptor 1

Influx of cations (Ca2+, Na+) leading to depolarization of sensory neurons and propagation of pain signals; Sensitization by pro-inflammatory mediators (prostaglandins, bradykinin, NGF, ATP)