In the cell membrane, Transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) channels act as receptors for cold and cooling agents like menthol, enabling humans to sense cold. Since this protein influences pain perception and plays a vital role in numerous diseases, they are promising targets for developing new drugs.
In recent years, there have been several studies on TRPM8 ion channels to get insights into their complex functions and develop innovative therapeutic approaches. To further decipher the role of TRPM8, researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat have developed a photoswitchable TRPM8 channel activator based on the natural cooling agent menthol.
The team developed a molecule called azo-menthol, which precisely controls TRPM8 channels using light. Azo-menthol can be switched ON and OFF with the…