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Chilling discovery: Study reveals evolution of human cold and menthol sensing protein, offering hope for future non ... - EurekAlert


Chronic pain affects millions globally, often treated with opioids that pose addiction and overdose risks. Non-addictive alternatives are crucial, and recent research by Wade Van Horn and his team at Arizona State University offers promising insights. Published in Science Advances, their study of the TRPM8 protein, which regulates cold sensations, suggests potential for pain medications that avoid addiction and body temperature issues. By using biochemistry and biophysics techniques, the researchers revealed TRPM8’s evolution from a chemical sensor to a cold sensor. Understanding this could lead to developing side-effect-free drugs. The team used ancestral sequence reconstruction to study ancient TRPM8 proteins, providing new avenues for pain relief without adverse effects seen in previous TRPM8-targeted treatments. This research exemplifies how evolutionary biology and modern pharmacology can collaborate to improve chronic pain management.

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