Noxious chemical discrimination by TRPA1 channel in the HEK293 cell expression system.

Nociception is the sensory perception of noxious chemical stimuli. Repellent behavior to avoid noxious stimuli is indispensable for survival, and this mechanism has been evolutionarily conserved across a wide range of species, from mammals to insects. The transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel is one of the most conserved noxious chemical sensors.

Contact repellency by l-menthol is mediated by TRPM channels in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum.

Background: Among insects, beetles are one of the most destructive pests of agricultural and stored products. Researchers have been investigating alternatives to pesticides for more sustainable pest management. Here, we focused on insect transient receptor potential (TRP) channel-targeted repellency.