TRPM8: cDNA Clones

TRPM8 functions as a cold receptor in sensory neurons but is also expressed in tissues not exposed to ambient temperatures, as well as in cancer tissues. TRPM8 is expressed in prostate and in most in prostate tumors. TRPM8 is also expressed in non-prostatic primary tumors such as colon, lung, breast and skin tumors. There are two shorter splice variants of TRPM8, termed short TRPM8a and short TRPM8ß. Both variants are in a closed configuration with the C-terminal tail of the full-length TRPM8 channel, resulting in stabilization of its closed state and thus reducing both its cold sensitivity and activity. The sensation of coolness triggered by eucalyptol or menthol may be explained by the fact that menthol and cool temperatures sensations are detected by this protein.