Abstract: This invention provides methods for modulating activities of noxious ion channel TRPAI and methods for screening for novel modulators of TRPAI. Compounds such as bradykinin, eugenol, gingerol, methyl salicylate, allicin, and cinnamaldehyde can be employed to activate cold themosensor TRPAI. These TRPAI agonists can be used in screenings methods to activate TRPA1 and therefore identify novel TRPAI antagonists that can inhibit the activated TRPAI. These TRPAI agonists also provide chemical backbones to synthesize and identify analogs with improved biological or pharmaceutical properties. Further, novel TRPAI modulators can be identified by screening test agents for ability in modulating enzymatic activity or cellular level of phospholipase C.

Abstract: The methods and compositions of the invention are based on a method for measuring nociceptive responses in vertebrates, including humans and other mammals utilizing a newly discovered thermoreceptor belonging to the Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) family of non-selective cation channels that participates in thermosensation and pain. This receptor, designated ANKTMI, is associated with nociceptive pain, such as hyperalgesia. Accordingly, the invention provides isolated polypeptides and polynucleotides associated with nociception as well as methods for identifying or screening agents that modulate nociception.