Tmem100 Is a Regulator of TRPA1-TRPV1 Complex and Contributes to Persistent Pain

TRPA1 and TRPV1 are crucial pain mediators, but how their interaction contributes to persistent pain is unknown. Here, we identify Tmem100 as a potentiating modulator of TRPA1-V1 complexes. Tmem100 is coexpressed and forms a complex with TRPA1 and TRPV1 in DRG neurons. Tmem100-deficient mice show a reduction in inflammatory mechanical hyperalgesia and TRPA1- but not TRPV1-mediated pain. Single-channel recording in a heterologous system reveals that Tmem100 selectively potentiates TRPA1 activity in a TRPV1-dependent manner. Mechanistically, Tmem100 weakens the association of TRPA1 and TRPV1, thereby releasing the inhibition of TRPA1 by TRPV1. A Tmem100 mutant, Tmem100-3Q, exerts the opposite effect; i.e., it enhances the association of TRPA1 and TRPV1 and strongly inhibits TRPA1. Strikingly, a cell-permeable peptide (CPP) containing the C-terminal sequence of Tmem100-3Q mimics its effect and inhibits persistent pain. Our study unveils a context-dependent modulation of the TRPA1-V1 complex, and Tmem100-3Q CPP is a promising pain therapy. •A unique context-dependent TRP channel regulation by disinhibitory mechanism•Tmem100 as a potentiating modulator of TRPA1 in the TRPA1-TRPV1 complex•Tmem100-mutant-derived cell-permeable peptide as novel pain therapeutics•The first mechanistic study of Tmem100, an important gene implicated in diseases TRPA1 and TRPV1 are crucial pain mediators, but how their interaction contributes to persistent pain is unknown. Weng et al. identify Tmem100 as a potentiating modulator of TRPA1-V1 complexes. Targeting this modulation, they developed a strategy for blocking persistent pain.