The transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1), also known as the capsaicin receptor or vanilloid receptor 1, is a protein encoded by the TRPV1 gene in humans. It is a non-selective cation channel and polymodal receptor that can be activated by various stimuli, including capsaicin (the active component of chili peppers), heat above 43掳C, low pH, and certain endocannabinoid lipids. TRPV1 is primarily expressed in small-diameter neurons of sensory ganglia such as the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and trigeminal ganglion (TG), where it plays a crucial role in the detection and regulation of body temperature, as well as the sensation of pain and nociception. Activation of TRPV1 leads to an influx of calcium and sodium ions, causing membrane depolarization, neuronal firing, and the release of neuropeptides like substance P and calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP), which are involved in pain transmission. This protein is also implicated in synaptic plasticity, neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington鈥檚 disease, and immune system regulation.
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