Description
VR1 (vanilloid receptor 1) is an ion channel activated by capsaicin, the pungent ingredient in hot peppers, and by noxious thermal heat. It is expressed by and isolated from nociceptive sensory neurons. Sequence analysis suggests that VR1 has transmembrane domains and intracellular N- and C-termini. It shares structural similarities with the family of putative store-operated calcium channels. It is thought to function as a transducer of noxious thermal stimuli and have involvement in inflammatory pain