New research at Arizona State University explores the evolution and function of the TRPM8 protein, aiming to develop non-addictive pain medications that avoid temperature regulation side effects, potentially revolutionizing chronic pain treatment.
Arizona State University’s School of Molecular Sciences and Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics “If we can start to understand how to decouple the chemical sensing of cold from actual cold sensing, in theory, we could make side-effect-free drugs,” said Van Horn whose research focuses on membrane proteins involved in human health and disease. “By understanding the evolutionary history of TRPM8, we hope to contribute to designing better drugs that offer relief without the dangerous side effects associated with current painkillers.
Research published in Science Advances on June 21, led by Wade Van Horn, professor in Arizona State University’s School of Molecular Sciences and Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics has uncovered new insights into the main human cold and menthol sensor TRPM8 . Credit: ASU/David Rozul