Anktm1, a cold-activated trp-like channel expressed in nociceptive neurons
AssigneesThe Scripps Research Institute, Novartis AG
InventorsStuart Bevan, Ardem Patapoutian, Gina Story
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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.
Claims23
An isolated nucleic acid sequence encoding an ANKTM1-related polypeptide, characterized as
- encoding a temperature/pain sensitive non-selective cation channel protein that is activated by temperature below 20° C.;
- being expressed in Calcitonin gene-related peptide- and substance P-positive neurons;
- and
- comprising more than five ankyrin domains and a six transmembrane domain.
A method for modulating nociceptive pain in an organism, the method comprising contacting a sentient organism containing a polypeptide sequence comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2 and SEQ ID NO:4, and conservative variations thereof, with an effective amount of an agent that modulates operation of the polypeptide under conditions that allow the agent and the polypeptide to interact, thereby modulating nociceptive pain in the organism.
An isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2 and conservative variations thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.