TRPV1 channels and the progesterone receptor Sig-1R interact to regulate pain.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

The Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) ion channel is expressed in nociceptors where, when activated by chemical or thermal stimuli, it functions as an important transducer of painful and itch-related stimuli. Although the interaction of TRPV1 with proteins that regulate its function has been previously explored, their modulation by chaperones has not been elucidated, as is the case for other mammalian TRP channels. Here we show that TRPV1 physically interacts with the Sigma 1 Receptor (Sig-1R), a chaperone that binds progesterone, an antagonist of Sig-1R and an important neurosteroid associated to the modulation of pain. Antagonism of Sig-1R by progesterone results in the down-regulation of TRPV1 expression in the plasma membrane of sensory neurons and, consequently, a decrease in capsaicin-induced nociceptive responses. This is observed both in males treated with a synthetic antagonist of Sig-1R and in pregnant females where progesterone levels are elevated. This constitutes a previously undescribed mechanism by which TRPV1-dependent nociception and pain can be regulated.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Ortíz-Rentería, M; Juárez-Contreras, R; González-Ramírez, R; Islas, LD; Sierra-Ramírez, F; Llorente, I; Simon, SA; Hiriart, M; Rosenbaum, T; Morales-Lázaro, SL

Published Date

  • February 13, 2018

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 115 / 7

Start / End Page

  • E1657 - E1666

PubMed ID

  • 29378958

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC5816171

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1091-6490

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1073/pnas.1715972115

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States