TRPA1 Gene

Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily A Member 1 (TRPA1) is a gene involved in nociception / chemosensation that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in TRPA1 may influence how the body responds to infection, inflammation, and long-term recovery.

This page is for educational and informational purposes only. Not a diagnostic tool. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

What is the TRPA1 gene?

TRPA1 encodes transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily a member 1, a protein involved in nociception / chemosensation. It belongs to the Neurological category and is part of the Neurological & Cognitive Function biological cluster. TRPA1 encodes the 'wasabi receptor', a TRP channel on sensory neurons activated by cold, mechanical force, and reactive chemicals; it mediates neurogenic inflammation.

Biological role and pathway

TRPA1 is involved in the nociception / chemosensation pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Neurological & Cognitive Function cluster work together to maintain balanced function across interconnected biological systems.

Variants in genes within this pathway may influence an individual's predisposition to altered function in these systems — particularly under conditions of physiological stress such as viral infection or prolonged illness.

TRPA1 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research

TRPA1 activation contributes to pain, itch, and neurogenic inflammation; variants may affect sensory hypersensitivity and the hyperalgesic state common in Long COVID.

This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.

Known genetic variants

The following variants (SNPs) in the TRPA1 gene have been studied in relation to neurological and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.

Conditions studied in relation to TRPA1

Research into TRPA1 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that TRPA1 causes or treats any condition.

Long CovidPainSensory Sensitivity

Genetic insights from DNA data

Consumer DNA files from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage contain raw SNP data. When you upload your file to ChronicDNA, the analysis engine checks your genotype against a curated panel of 80+ genes selected for their relevance to Long COVID, ME/CFS, and connected biological pathways - some of which may include TRPA1 and related genes in the neurological & cognitive function pathway.

The report is educational - it explains which variants you carry, what the research says about them, and how they fit into the biological pathways most relevant to chronic illness. Results are presented in plain English with appropriate scientific context, no medical jargon, no scare tactics. All results should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.

Related genes in the Neurological & Cognitive Function pathway

TRPA1 does not act in isolation. The following genes are functionally related and may be analysed together for a more complete picture of your genetic predispositions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the TRPA1 gene and what does it do?

TRPA1 (Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily A Member 1) is involved in nociception / chemosensation. TRPA1 encodes the 'wasabi receptor', a TRP channel on sensory neurons activated by cold, mechanical force, and reactive chemicals; it mediates neurogenic inflammation.

How may TRPA1 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?

TRPA1 activation contributes to pain, itch, and neurogenic inflammation; variants may affect sensory hypersensitivity and the hyperalgesic state common in Long COVID.

Can a DNA test reveal information about my TRPA1 gene?

Consumer DNA data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage includes SNP variants for many genes. ChronicDNA analyses your raw DNA file and reports on variants that have been studied in relation to chronic illness, immune function, and metabolism. This is not a diagnostic service — results are informational and educational only.

Explore your TRPA1 genetic insights

Upload your DNA data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or MyHeritage and receive a personalised report covering >80 genes relevant to Long COVID and ME/CFS.

Get Your Personalised DNA Report

Informational and educational only · Not a diagnostic tool · GDPR compliant

References

The following publications were used in compiling the research context for TRPA1. This is not an exhaustive literature review.

  • [1]PMID: 33664986
  • [2]Nature Genetics
  • [3]Nature Neuroscience