TRPA (channel)

Overview
TRPA is a family of transient receptor potential ion channels.

The sole member of the TRPA sub-family, TRPA1, contains 14 N-terminal ankyrin repeats and is believed to function as a mechanical stress sensor. It is expressed in the dorsal root ganglion, trigeminal ganglion, and hair cells. The temperature sensitivity of TRPA1 is highly disputed, with some reports claiming that it is activated by noxiously cold stimuli and others disputing such a claim. TRPA1 is known to be activated by isothiocyanates, which are the pungent chemicals in substances such as mustard oil and wasabi, methyl salicylate in winter green oil, and cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon, amongst numerous other substances.