Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 Knockout Mice Research Articles

Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 channel modulates the abuse-related mechanisms of methamphetamine through interaction with dopamine transporter.

Methamphetamine (METH) use disorder has risen dramatically over the past decade, and there are currently no FDA-approved medications due, in part, to gaps in our understanding of the pharmacological mechanisms related to METH action in the brain. Here, we investigated whether transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) mediates each of several METH abuse-related behaviours in rodents: self-administration, drug-primed reinstatement, acquisition of conditioned place preference, and hyperlocomotion. Additionally, METH-induced molecular (i.e., neurotransmitter and protein) changes in the brain were compared between wild-type and TRPA1 knock-out mice. Finally, the relationship between TRPA1 and the dopamine transporter was investigated through immunoprecipitation and dopamine reuptake assays. TRPA1 antagonism blunted METH self-administration and drug-primed reinstatement of METH-seeking behaviour. Further, development of METH-induced conditioned place preference and hyperlocomotion were inhibited by TRPA1 antagonist treatment, effects that were not observed in TRPA1 knock-out mice. Similarly, molecular studies revealed METH-induced increases in dopamine levels and expression of dopamine system-related proteins in wild-type, but not in TRPA1 knock-out mice. Furthermore, pharmacological blockade of TRPA1 receptors reduced the interaction between TRPA1 and the dopamine transporter, thereby increasing dopamine reuptake activity by the transporter. This study demonstrates that TRPA1 is involved in the abuse-related behavioural effects of METH, potentially through its modulatory role in METH-induced activation of dopaminergic neurotransmission. Taken together, these data suggest that TRPA1 may be a novel therapeutic target for treating METH use disorder.

The Lack of TRPA1 Ion Channel Does Not Affect the Chronic Stress-Induced Activation of the Locus Ceruleus.

We have previously proven the involvement of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) in stress adaptation. A lack of TRPA1 affects both urocortin 1 (member of the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) family) content of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus. The noradrenergic locus ceruleus (LC) is also an important player in mood control. We aimed at investigating whether the TRPA1 is expressed in the LC, and to test if the response to chronic variable mild stress (CVMS) is affected by a lack of TRPA1. The TRPA1 expression was examined via RNAscope in situ hybridization. We investigated TRPA1 knockout and wildtype mice using the CVMS model of depression. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and FOSB double immunofluorescence were used to test the functional neuromorphological changes in the LC. No TRPA1 expression was detected in the LC. The TH content was not affected by CVMS exposure. The CVMS-induced FOSB immunosignal did not co-localize with the TH neurons. TRPA1 is not expressed in the LC. A lack of functional TRPA1 receptor neither directly nor indirectly affects the TH content of LC neurons under CVMS.

Endothelial cell TRPA1 activity exacerbates cerebral hemorrhage during severe hypertension.

Introduction: Hypoxia-induced dilation of cerebral arteries orchestrated by Ca2+-permeable transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) cation channels on endothelial cells is neuroprotective during ischemic stroke, but it is unknown if the channel has a similar impact during hemorrhagic stroke. TRPA1 channels are endogenously activated by lipid peroxide metabolites generated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Uncontrolled hypertension, a primary risk factor for the development of hemorrhagic stroke, is associated with increased ROS production and oxidative stress. Therefore, we hypothesized that TRPA1 channel activity is increased during hemorrhagic stroke. Methods: Severe, chronic hypertension was induced in control (Trpa1 fl/fl) and endothelial cell-specific TRPA1 knockout (Trpa1-ecKO) mice using a combination of chronic angiotensin II administration, a high-salt diet, and the addition of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor to drinking water. Blood pressure was measured in awake, freely-moving mice using surgically placed radiotelemetry transmitters. TRPA1-dependent cerebral artery dilation was evaluated with pressure myography, and expression of TRPA1 and NADPH oxidase (NOX) isoforms in arteries from both groups was determined using PCR and Western blotting techniques. In addition, ROS generation capacity was evaluated using a lucigenin assay. Histology was performed to examine intracerebral hemorrhage lesion size and location. Results: All animals became hypertensive, and a majority developed intracerebral hemorrhages or died of unknown causes. Baseline blood pressure and responses to the hypertensive stimulus did not differ between groups. Expression of TRPA1 in cerebral arteries from control mice was not altered after 28 days of treatment, but expression of three NOX isoforms and the capacity for ROS generation was increased in hypertensive animals. NOX-dependent activation of TRPA1 channels dilated cerebral arteries from hypertensive animals to a greater extent compared with controls. The number of intracerebral hemorrhage lesions in hypertensive animals did not differ between control and Trpa1-ecKO animals but were significantly smaller in Trpa1-ecKO mice. Morbidity and mortality did not differ between groups. Discussion: We conclude that endothelial cell TRPA1 channel activity increases cerebral blood flow during hypertension resulting in increased extravasation of blood during intracerebral hemorrhage events; however, this effect does not impact overall survival. Our data suggest that blocking TRPA1 channels may not be helpful for treating hypertension-associated hemorrhagic stroke in a clinical setting.

Functionally active TRPA1 ion channel is downregulated in peptidergic neurons of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus upon acute alcohol exposure.

Introduction: The centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWcp) contributes to the control of alcohol consumption by its urocortin 1 (UCN1) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) co-expressing peptidergic neurons. Our group recently showed that the urocortinergic centrally projecting EWcp is the primary seat of central nervous system transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) cation channel mRNA expression. Here, we hypothesized that alcohol and its metabolites, that pass through the blood-brain barrier, may influence the function of urocortinergic cells in centrally projecting EWcp by activating TRPA1 ion channels. We aimed to examine the functional activity of TRPA1 in centrally projecting EWcp and its possible role in a mouse model of acute alcohol exposure. Methods: Electrophysiological measurements were performed on acute brain slices of C57BL/6J male mice containing the centrally projecting EWcp to prove the functional activity of TRPA1 using a selective, potent, covalent agonist JT010. Male TRPA1 knockout (KO) and wildtype (WT) mice were compared with each other in the morphological studies upon acute alcohol treatment. In both genotypes, half of the animals was treated intraperitoneally with 1g/kg 6% ethanol vs. physiological saline-injected controls. Transcardial perfusion was performed 2h after the treatment. In the centrally projecting EWcp area, FOS immunohistochemistry was performed to assess neuronal activation. TRPA1, CART, and urocortin 1 mRNA expression as well as urocortin 1 and CART peptide content was semi-quantified by RNAscope in situ hybridization combined with immunofluorescence. Results: JT010 activated TRPA1 channels of the urocortinergic cells in acute brain slices. Alcohol treatment resulted in a significant FOS activation in both genotypes. Alcohol decreased the Trpa1 mRNA expression in WT mice. The assessment of urocortin 1 peptide immunoreactivity revealed lower basal urocortin 1 in KO mice compared to WTs. The urocortin 1 peptide content was affected genotype-dependently by alcohol: the peptide content decreased in WTs while it increased in KO mice. Alcohol exposure influenced neither CART and urocortin 1 mRNA expression nor the centrally projecting EWcp/CART peptide content. Conclusion: We proved the presence of functional TRPA1 receptors on urocortin 1 neurons of the centrally projecting EWcp. Decreased Trpa1 mRNA expression upon acute alcohol treatment, associated with reduced neuronal urocortin 1 peptide content suggesting that this cation channel may contribute to the regulation of the urocortin 1 release.

Common bacterial metabolite indole directly activates nociceptive neuron through transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 channel.

Nociceptors are known to directly recognize bacterial cell wall components or secreted toxins, thereby leading to pain induced by bacterial infection. However, direct activation of nociceptors by bacterial metabolites remains unclear although bacteria produce numerous metabolites related to health and disease. In this study, we investigated whether and how a common bacterial metabolite, indole, which is produced by normal microflora of the gastrointestinal tract and oral cavity, can directly activate nociceptive sensory neurons. We found that indole elicits calcium response and evokes inward currents in subsets of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. Intraplantar (i.pl.) injection of indole produced nocifensive behaviors in adult mice, which were enhanced in complete Freund's adjuvant-induced chronic inflammatory condition. Indole increased calcitonin gene-related peptide release in DRG neurons, and i.pl. injection of indole increased hind paw thickness, suggesting its role in generation of neurogenic inflammation. These in vitro and in vivo indole-induced responses were pharmacologically blocked by transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) antagonist, HC-030031, and significantly abolished in TRPA1 knockout (KO) mice, indicating that indole targets TRPA1 for its action in DRG neurons. Nocifensive licking behavior induced by the injection of live Escherichia coli was significantly decreased in tryptophanase mutant (TnaA KO) E. coli- injected mice that lack indole production, further supporting the idea that bacteria-derived indole can induce pain during infection. Identifying the mechanism of action of indole through TRPA1 provides insights into bacteria-neuron interactions and the role of bacterial metabolites in pain signaling, especially in inflammation-accompanied bacterial infection.

Photosensitive and Photoswitchable TRPA1 Agonists Optically Control Pain through Channel Desensitization.

Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel, as a nonselective ligand-gated cation channel robustly in dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons, is implicated in sensing noxious stimuli and nociceptive signaling. However, small-molecule tools targeting TRPA1 lack temporal and spatial resolution, limiting their use for validation of TRPA1 as a therapeutic target for pain. In our previous work, we found that 4,4'-(diazene-1,2-diyl)dianiline (AB1) is a photoswitchable TRPA1 agonist, but the poor water solubility and activity hinder its further development. Here, we report a series of specific and potent azobenzene-derived photoswitchable TRPA1 agonists (series 1 and 2) that enable optical control of the TRPA1 channel. Two representative compounds 1g and 2c can alleviate capsaicin-induced pain in the cheek model of mice through channel desensitization but not in TRPA1 knockout mice. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that photoswitchable TRPA1 agonists can be used as pharmacological tools for study of pain signaling.

Atractylodin Produces Antinociceptive Effect through a Long-Lasting TRPA1 Channel Activation.

Atractylodin (ATR) is a bioactive component found in dried rhizomes of Atractylodes lancea (AL) De Candolle. Although AL has accumulated empirical evidence for the treatment of pain, the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-pain effect of ATR remains unclear. In this study, we found that ATR increases transient receptor potential ankyrin-1 (TRPA1) single-channel activity in hTRPA1 expressing HEK293 cells. A bath application of ATR produced a long-lasting calcium response, and the response was completely diminished in the dorsal root ganglion neurons of TRPA1 knockout mice. Intraplantar injection of ATR evoked moderate and prolonged nociceptive behavior compared to the injection of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC). Systemic application of ATR inhibited AITC-induced nociceptive responses in a dose-dependent manner. Co-application of ATR and QX-314 increased the noxious heat threshold compared with AITC in vivo. Collectively, we concluded that ATR is a unique agonist of TRPA1 channels, which produces long-lasting channel activation. Our results indicated ATR-mediated anti-nociceptive effect through the desensitization of TRPA1-expressing nociceptors.

Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) Is Involved in Upregulating Interleukin-6 Expression in Osteoarthritic Chondrocyte Models.

Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is a membrane-bound ion channel found in neurons, where it mediates nociception and neurogenic inflammation. Recently, we have discovered that TRPA1 is also expressed in human osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes and downregulated by the anti-inflammatory drugs aurothiomalate and dexamethasone. We have also shown TRPA1 to mediate inflammation, pain, and cartilage degeneration in experimental osteoarthritis. In this study, we investigated the role of TRPA1 in joint inflammation, focusing on the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6). We utilized cartilage/chondrocytes from wild-type (WT) and TRPA1 knockout (KO) mice, along with primary chondrocytes from OA patients. The results show that TRPA1 regulates the synthesis of the OA-driving inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in chondrocytes. IL-6 was highly expressed in WT chondrocytes, and its expression, along with the expression of IL-6 family cytokines leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and IL-11, were significantly downregulated by TRPA1 deficiency. Furthermore, treatment with the TRPA1 antagonist significantly downregulated the expression of IL-6 in chondrocytes from WT mice and OA patients. The results suggest that TRPA1 is involved in the upregulation of IL-6 production in chondrocytes. These findings together with previous results on the expression and functions of TRPA1 in cellular and animal models point to the role of TRPA1 as a potential mediator and novel drug target in osteoarthritis.

Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 Mediates Hypoxic Responses in Mice.

Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is a non-selective cation channel that is broadly expressed in sensory pathways, such as the trigeminal and vagus nerves. It is capable of detecting various irritants in inspired gasses and is activated during hypoxia. In this study, the role of TRPA1 in hypoxia-induced behavioral, respiratory, and cardiovascular responses was examined through four lines of experiments using TRPA1 knockout (KO) mice and wild type (WT) littermates. First, KO mice showed significantly attenuated avoidance behavior in response to a low (15%) oxygen environment. Second, the wake-up response to a hypoxic ramp (from 21 to 10% O2 in 40 s) was measured using EEG electrodes. WT mice woke up within 30 s when oxygen was at 13–14%, but KO mice did not wake up until oxygen levels reached 10%. Histological analysis confirmed that mild (13% O2) hypoxia resulted in an attenuation of trigeminal neuronal activation in KO mice. Third, the ventilatory response to hypoxia was measured with whole body plethysmography. KO mice showed attenuated responses to mild hypoxia (15% O2) but not severe hypoxia (10% O2). Similar responses were observed in WT mice treated with the TRPA1 blocker, AP-18. These data clearly show that TRPA1 is necessary for multiple mild hypoxia (13–15% O2)-induced physiological responses. We propose that TRPA1 channels in the sensory pathways innervating the airway can detect hypoxic environments and prevent systemic and/or cellular hypoxia from occurring.

Enhanced Sensory Coding in Mouse Vibrissal and Visual Cortex through TRPA1

Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is a non-selective cation channel, broadly expressed throughout the body. Despite its expression in the mammalian brain, little is known about the contribution of TRPA1 to cortical function. Here, we characterize how TRPA1 affects sensory information processing in two cortical areas in mice: the primary vibrissal (whisker) somatosensory cortex (vS1) and the primary visual cortex (V1). In vS1, local activation of TRPA1 by allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) increases the ongoing activity of neurons and their evoked response to vibrissal stimulation, producing a positive gain modulation. The gain modulation is reversed by TRPA1 inhibitor HC-030031 and is absent in TRPA1 knockout mice. Similarly, in V1, TRPA1 activation increases the gain of direction and orientation selectivity. Linear decoding of V1 population activity confirms faster and more reliable encoding of visual signals under TRPA1 activation. Overall, our findings reveal a physiological role for TRPA1 in enhancing sensory signals in the mammalian cortex.

Activation of Different Heterodimers of TLR2 Distinctly Mediates Pain and Itch

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been implicated in pain and itch regulation. TLR2, a TLR family member that detects microbial membrane components, has been implicated in pathologic pain. However, the role of TLR2 in pruritic and nociceptive responses has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we found that TLR2 was expressed in mouse dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and trigeminal ganglia (TG) neurons. Itch and pain behaviors, including histamine-dependent and histamine-independent acute itching, acetone/diethyl ether/water and 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced chronic itching and inflammatory pain, were largely attenuated in TLR2 knockout (KO) mice. The TLR2 agonist Pam3CSK4, which targets TLR2/1 heterodimers, evoked pain and itch behavior, whereas lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and zymosan, which recognize TLR2/6 heterodimers, produced only pain response. The TLR2 agonist-induced nociceptive and pruritic behaviors were largely diminished in transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) KO mice. Finally, Pam3Csk4 and zymosan increased the [Ca2+]i in DRG neurons from wild-type mice. However, the enhancement of [Ca2+]i was largely inhibited in the DRG neurons from TRPV1 and TRPA1 KO mice. Our results demonstrate that TLR2 is involved in different itch and pain behaviors through activating TLR1/TLR2 or TLR6/TLR2 heterodimers via TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels.

Enhanced Sensory Coding in Mouse Vibrissal and Visual Cortex Through TRPA1

Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is a non-selective cation channel, which is broadly expressed throughout the body. Despite its expression in the mammalian cortex, little is known about the contribution of TRPA1 to cortical function. Here we investigate the role of TRPA1 in sensory information processing by performing electrophysiological recording and 2-photon calcium imaging from two sensory areas in mice: the primary vibrissal somatosensory cortex (vS1) and the primary visual cortex (V1). In vS1, local activation of TRPA1 by its agonist AITC significantly increased the spontaneous activity of cortical neurons, their evoked response to vibrissal stimulation, and their response range, consistent with a positive gain modulation. TRPA1 inhibition with HC-030031 reversed these modulations to below initial control gains. The gain modulations were absent in TRPA1 Knockout mice. In V1, TRPA1 activation increased the gain of direction and orientation selectivity similarly to the gain modulations observed in vS1 cortex. Linear decoding analysis of V1 population activity confirmed faster and more reliable encoding of visual signals in the presence of TRPA1 activation. Overall, our findings reveal a physiological role for TRPA1 in enhancing sensory signals in the mammalian cortex.

Investigation of Cuprizone-Induced Demyelination in mGFAP-Driven Conditional Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) Receptor Knockout Mice.

Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) receptors are non-selective cation channels responsive to a variety of exogenous irritants and endogenous stimuli including products of oxidative stress. It is mainly expressed by primary sensory neurons; however, expression of TRPA1 by astrocytes and oligodendrocytes has recently been detected in the mouse brain. Genetic deletion of TRPA1 was shown to attenuate cuprizone-induced oligodendrocyte apoptosis and myelin loss in mice. In the present study we aimed at investigating mGFAP-Cre conditional TRPA1 knockout mice in the cuprizone model. These animals were generated by crossbreeding GFAP-Cre+/− and floxed TRPA1 (TRPA1Fl/Fl) mice. Cuprizone was administered for 6 weeks and demyelination was followed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). At the end of the treatment, demyelination and glial activation was also investigated by histological methods. The results of the MRI showed that demyelination was milder at weeks 3 and 4 in both homozygous (GFAP-Cre+/− TRPA1Fl/Fl) and heterozygous (GFAP-Cre+/− TRPA1Fl/−) conditional knockout animals compared to Cre−/− control mice. However, by week 6 of the treatment the difference was not detectable by either MRI or histological methods. In conclusion, TRPA1 receptors on astrocytes may transiently contribute to the demyelination induced by cuprizone, however, expression and function of TRPA1 receptors by other cells in the brain (oligodendrocytes, microglia, neurons) warrant further investigation.

TRPA1 Ion Channel Determines Beneficial and Detrimental Effects of GYY4137 in Murine Serum-Transfer Arthritis.

Modulation of nociception and inflammation by sulfide in rheumatoid arthritis and activation of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) ion channels by sulfide compounds are well documented. The present study aims to investigate TRPA1-mediated effects of sulfide donor GYY4137 in K/BxN serum-transfer arthritis, a rodent model of rheumatoid arthritis. TRPA1 and somatostatin sst4 receptor wild-type (WT) and knockout mice underwent K/BxN serum transfer and were treated daily with GYY4137. Functional and biochemical signs of inflammation were recorded, together with histological characterization. These included detection of hind paw mechanical hyperalgesia by dynamic plantar esthesiometry, hind paw volume by plethysmometry, and upside-down hanging time to failure. Hind paw erythema, edema, and passive movement range of tibiotarsal joints were scored. Somatostatin release from sensory nerve endings of TRPA1 wild-type and knockout mice in response to polysulfide was detected by radioimmunoassay. Polysulfide formation from GYY4137 was uncovered by cold cyanolysis. GYY4137 aggravated mechanical hyperalgesia in TRPA1 knockout mice but ameliorated it in wild-type ones. Arthritis score was lowered by GYY4137 in TRPA1 wild-type animals. Increased myeloperoxidase activity, plasma extravasation, and subcutaneous MIP-2 levels of hind paws were detected in TRPA1 knockout mice upon GYY4137 treatment. Genetic lack of sst4 receptors did not alter mechanical hyperalgesia, edema formation, hanging performance, arthritis score, plasma extravasation, or myeloperoxidase activity. TRPA1 WT animals exhibited smaller cartilage destruction upon GYY4137 administration. Sodium polysulfide caused TRPA1-dependent somatostatin release from murine nerve endings. Sulfide released from GYY4137 is readily converted into polysulfide by hypochlorite. Polysulfide potently activates human TRPA1 receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. According to our data, the protective effect of GYY4137 is mediated by TRPA1, while detrimental actions are independent of the ion channel in the K/BxN serum-transfer arthritis model in mice. At acidic pH in inflamed tissue sulfide is released from GYY4137 and reacts with neutrophil-derived hypochlorite. Resulting polysulfide might be responsible for TRPA1-mediated antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory as well as TRPA1-independent pro-inflammatory effects.

Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) positively regulates imiquimod-induced, psoriasiform dermal inflammation in mice.

Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), a membrane protein ion channel, is known to mediate itch and pain in skin. The function of TRPA1, however, in psoriasiform dermatitis (PsD) is uncertain. Herein, we found that expression of TRPA1 is highly up‐regulated in human psoriatic lesional skin. To study the role of TRPA1 in PsD, we assessed Psoriasis Severity Index (PSI) scores, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin thickness and pathology, and examined dermal inflammatory infiltrates, Th17‐related genes and itch‐related genes in c57BL/6 as wild‐type (WT) and TRPA1 gene knockout (KO) mice following daily application of topical IMQ cream for 5 days. Compared with WT mice, clinical scores, skin thickness change and TEWL scores were similar on day 3, but were significantly decreased on day 5 in IMQ‐treated TRPA1 KO mice (vs WT mice), suggesting reduced inflammation and skin barrier defects. Additionally, the relative area of epidermal Munro's microabscesses and mRNA levels of neutrophil inducible chemokines (S100A8, S100A9 and CXCL1) were decreased in the treated skin of TRPA1 KO mice, suggesting that neutrophil recruitment was impaired in the KO mice. Furthermore, mast cells, CD31+ blood vascular cells, CD45+ leukocytes and CD3+ T cells were all reduced in the treated skin of TRPA1 KO mice. Lastly, mRNA expression levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐23, IL‐17A, IL‐17F and IL‐22 were decreased in TRPA1 KO mice. In summary, these results suggest a key role for TRPA1 in psoriasiform inflammation and raising its potential as a target for therapeutic intervention.

TRPA1 Promotes Cardiac Myofibroblast Transdifferentiation after Myocardial Infarction Injury via the Calcineurin-NFAT-DYRK1A Signaling Pathway.

Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) are a critical cell population responsible for myocardial extracellular matrix homeostasis. After stimulation by myocardial infarction (MI), CFs transdifferentiate into cardiac myofibroblasts (CMFs) and play a fundamental role in the fibrotic healing response. Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channels are cationic ion channels with a high fractional Ca2+ current, and they are known to influence cardiac function after MI injury; however, the molecular mechanisms regulating CMF transdifferentiation remain poorly understood. TRPA1 knockout mice, their wild-type littermates, and mice pretreated with the TRPA1 agonist cinnamaldehyde (CA) were subjected to MI injury and monitored for survival, cardiac function, and fibrotic remodeling. TRPA1 can drive myofibroblast transdifferentiation initiated 1 week after MI injury. In addition, we explored the underlying mechanisms via in vitro experiments through gene transfection alone or in combination with inhibitor treatment. TRPA1 overexpression fully activated CMF transformation, while CFs lacking TRPA1 were refractory to transforming growth factor β- (TGF-β-) induced transdifferentiation. TGF-β enhanced TRPA1 expression, which promoted the Ca2+-responsive activation of calcineurin (CaN). Moreover, dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinase-1a (DYRK1A) regulated CaN-mediated NFAT nuclear translocation and TRPA1-dependent transdifferentiation. These findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for TRPA1 in the regulation of CMF transdifferentiation in response to MI injury and indicate a comprehensive pathway driving CMF formation in conjunction with TGF-β, Ca2+ influx, CaN, NFATc3, and DYRK1A.

Expression and Function of Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 Ion Channels in the Caudal Nucleus of the Solitary Tract.

The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) receives visceral information via the solitary tract (ST) that comprises the sensory components of the cranial nerves VII, IX and X. The Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) ion channels are non-selective cation channels that are expressed primarily in pain-related sensory neurons and nerve fibers. Thus, TRPA1 expressed in the primary sensory afferents may modulate the function of second order NTS neurons. This hypothesis was tested and confirmed in the present study using acute brainstem slices and caudal NTS neurons by RT-PCR, immunostaining and patch-clamp electrophysiology. The expression of TRPA1 was detected in presynaptic locations, but not the somata of caudal NTS neurons that did not express TRPA1 mRNA or proteins. Moreover, caudal NTS neurons did not show somatodendritic responsiveness to TRPA1 agonists, while TRPA1 immunostaining was detected only in the afferent fibers. Electrophysiological recordings detected activation of presynaptic TRPA1 in glutamatergic terminals synapsing on caudal NTS neurons evidenced by the enhanced glutamatergic synaptic neurotransmission in the presence of TRPA1 agonists. The requirement of TRPA1 for modulation of spontaneous synaptic activity was confirmed using TRPA1 knockout mice where TRPA1 agonists failed to alter synaptic efficacy. Thus, this study provides the first evidence of the TRPA1-dependent modulation of the primary afferent inputs to the caudal NTS. These results suggest that the second order caudal NTS neurons act as a TRPA1-dependent interface for visceral noxious-innocuous integration at the level of the caudal brainstem.

Expression and Activity of TRPA1 and TRPV1 in the Intervertebral Disc: Association with Inflammation and Matrix Remodeling.

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels have emerged as potential sensors and transducers of inflammatory pain. The aims of this study were to investigate (1) the expression of TRP channels in intervertebral disc (IVD) cells in normal and inflammatory conditions and (2) the function of Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) and Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in IVD inflammation and matrix homeostasis. RT-qPCR was used to analyze human fetal, healthy, and degenerated IVD tissues for the gene expression of TRPA1 and TRPV1. The primary IVD cell cultures were stimulated with either interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) alone or in combination with TRPA1/V1 agonist allyl isothiocyanate (AITC, 3 and 10 µM), followed by analysis of calcium flux and the expression of inflammation mediators (RT-qPCR/ELISA) and matrix constituents (RT-qPCR). The matrix structure and composition in caudal motion segments from TRPA1 and TRPV1 wild-type (WT) and knock-out (KO) mice was visualized by FAST staining. Gene expression of other TRP channels (A1, C1, C3, C6, V1, V2, V4, V6, M2, M7, M8) was also tested in cytokine-treated cells. TRPA1 was expressed in fetal IVD cells, 20% of degenerated IVDs, but not in healthy mature IVDs. TRPA1 expression was not detectable in untreated cells and it increased upon cytokine treatment, while TRPV1 was expressed and concomitantly reduced. In inflamed IVD cells, 10 µM AITC activated calcium flux, induced gene expression of IL-8, and reduced disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTS5) and collagen 1A1, possibly via upregulated TRPA1. TRPA1 KO in mice was associated with signs of degeneration in the nucleus pulposus and the vertebral growth plate, whereas TRPV1 KO did not show profound changes. Cytokine treatment also affected the gene expression of TRPV2 (increase), TRPV4 (increase), and TRPC6 (decrease). TRPA1 might be expressed in developing IVD, downregulated during its maturation, and upregulated again in degenerative disc disease, participating in matrix homeostasis. However, follow-up studies with larger sample sizes are needed to fully elucidate the role of TRPA1 and other TRP channels in degenerative disc disease.

FK506 (tacrolimus) causes pain sensation through the activation of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channels.

FK506 (tacrolimus) is an immunosuppressant widely used as an ointment in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. However, local application of FK506 can evoke burning sensations in atopic dermatitis patients, and its mechanisms are unknown. In this study, we found that FK506 activates transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channels. In Ca2+-imaging experiments, increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) by FK506 were observed in HEK293T cells expressing hTRPA1 or hTRPM8. FK506-induced currents were observed in HEK293T cells expressing hTRPA1 or mTRPA1, but less or not at all in cells expressing hTRPV1 or hTRPM8 using a patch-clamp technique. FK506 also evoked single-channel opening of hTRPA1 in an inside-out configuration. FK506-induced [Ca2+]i increases were also observed in TRPA1-expressing mouse primary sensory neurons. Furthermore, injection of FK506 evoked licking or biting behaviors and these behaviors were almost abolished in TRPA1 knockout mice. These results indicate that FK506 might cause pain sensations through TRPA1 activation.

Abstract 292: TRPA1 Promoting Myofibroblast Differentiation Mediate Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Fibrosis

Background: Hypertensive ventricular remodeling is a common cause of heart failure. Activation and accumulation of cardiac fibroblasts is the key contributors to this progression. Our previous studies indicate that transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), a Ca 2+ channel necessary and sufficient, play a prominent role in ventricular remodeling. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating remain poorly understood. Methods: We used TRPA1 agonists cinnamaldehyde (CA) pretreatment and TRPA1 knockout mice to understand the role of TRPA1 in ventricular remodeling of hypertensive heart. We also examine the mechanisms through gene transfection and in vitro experiments. Results: TRPA1 overexpression fully activated myofibroblast transformation, while fibroblasts lacking TRPA1 were refractory to transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) -induced transdifferentiation. TRPA1 knockout mice showed hypertensive ventricular remodeling reversal following pressure overload. We found that the TGF-β induced TRPA1 expression through calcineurin-NFAT-Dyrk1A signaling pathway via the TRPA1 promoter. Once induced, TRPA1 activates the Ca 2+ -responsive protein phosphatase calcineurin, which itself induced myofibroblast transdifferentiation. Moreover, inhibition of calcineurin prevented TRPA1-dependent transdifferentiation. Conclusion: Our study provides the first evidence that TRPA1 regulation in cardiac fibroblasts transformation in response to hypertensive stimulation. The results suggesting a comprehensive pathway for myofibroblast formation in conjunction with TGF-β, Calcineurin, NFAT and Dyrk1A. Furthermore, these data indicate that negative modulation of cardiac fibroblast TRPA1 may represent a therapeutic strategy against hypertensive cardiac remodeling.