Chemical but not mechanical stimulation reduce TRPA1 channel lateral mobility

Abstract

The transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is a member from the TRP superfamily of ion channels. TRPA1 channels are calcium-permeable nonselective cation channels, which are highly conserved throughout the animal kingdom. Mammals have only one member (TRPA1), while zebrafish has two (TRPA1a and TRPA1b). TRPA1 channels are activated by a plethora of stimuli, including noxious cold, mechanical stimulation, calcium, pH, reactive oxygen, and carbonyl species. In the present study we characterize the modulation of TRPA1b channel lateral mobility by Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) and mechanical stimulation. We show that only AITC stimulation alters channel diffusion at the plasma membrane.