TRPM8

TRPM8, or transient receptor potential melastatin 8, is a nonselective cation channel that is activated by cold environments and menthol-like cooling compounds.  While TRPM8 is best known for its location in peripheral nerve endings, it has functionality both inside and out of the nervous system.  Within the nervous system, TRPM8 is responsible for our response to cold and or menthol like stimuli.  Our reaction to cold sensation is involved in a variety of processes and can be a part of reactions such as asthma.  Outside of the nervous system, TRPM8 has shown high expression in pro

TRPM8 is a transmembrane homo-tetramer ion channel that is activated by cold temperatures, cooling agents, and menthol stimuli. It belongs to a subgroup within the larger family of TRP cation channels (including the TRPV1 capsaicin receptor) that are named after the melastatin protein. These proteins are also known chanzymes due to their C-terminus enzyme domains. TRPM8 contains a voltage sensor as well as a binding domain for channel agonists such as menthol and icilin.

The body contains thousands of receptors and nerves which allow us to experience the sense of touch, also referred to as tactile perception. The somatosensory system allows organisms to perceive and decode a wide range of tactile stimuli to allow for the recognition of objects, ability to discern textures and provide feedback on sensory-motor systems.