One of the hottest news last month was the high resolution structure of the TRPA1 ion channel protein.
TRPA1 is a sensor for environmental noxious agents or signaling molecules produced endogenously. The structure was solved in the presence of agonist and antagonist ligands by using single-particle electron cryo-microscopy. (1)
This smart experimental method, which has revealed several unexpected TRPA1 structural features, shows that structural information thus discovered might greatly assist Life Researchers in the design of better antagonists which will represent the next generation analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents.
Interestingly, several TRPA1-related agents are now well characterized for further in vitro characterization.
Several useful agents for studying TRPA1 channels are available:
- TRPA1 antagonist HC-030031 inhibits the ion channel (cat. nr 21910-1065)
- TRPA1 antagonist A-967079 is a cell permeable TRPA1 blocker (cat. nr 21910-1055)
- TRPA1 antagonist AP-18 is a selective TRPA1 channel blocker (cat. nr 21910-1127)
- TRPA1 agonist Polygodial displays analgesic activity via desensitization of sensory neurons (cat. nr 21910-1145)
Thanks to our friends from Focus Biomolecules for this post !