Recent Advances on TRPA1 Channels

The TRP (Transient receptor potential) ion channels are a large family of ion channels which located on the cell membrane.Based on their sequence homology，mammalian TRP ion channels can be divided into six subfamilies：TRPC，TRPM，TRPV，TRPA，TRPML，TRPP.TRP ion channels which are used as cell receptors can be activated and controlled by a variety of mechanisms.In this review，the studies on TRPA1 are summarized，and the ways how the TRPA1 are activated by a variety of mode are discussed，especially the role of TRPA1 as a receptor in animals responding to various physical and chemical stimulus signals.TRPA1 is a member of transient receptor potential protein (TRP) family.It is selectively expressed in hair and skin cells and in a subpopulation of neurons in the trigeminal，nodose ganglia and dorsal root.As well as other members of TRP，TRPA1 mediates many sensory physiological functions in animals.Current research gradually clear the role of TRPA1 ion channel in the cold sensation，thermo sensory，mechanical stimulation and pain perception in the organism by means of RNAi and gene knockout technology，this will significantly promote the study of the path physiological processes and mechanisms of sensory disorders.