Recent advances in the study on TRPM8

The transient receptor potential(TRP) of ion channels belongs to the selective cation channels superfamily located at cell membranes.TRP channels are widely distributed and activated by multiple stimuli.Meanwhile,as the sensor to the changes in cellular local environments,TRP channels have multiple functions,including thermal,mechanical and taste sensing,as well as ion homeostasis maintaining.They can regulate muscle contractions,transmitter release,cell multiplication,cell differentiation,genetic transcription,apoptosis and molecular death.TRPM8,a nonselective cation channel,was originally cloned as a prostate-specific protein.Now,TRPM8 is found in carcinoma of colon,lung cancer,mammary cancer,and cutaneum carcinoma.TRPM8 can be activated by cold and menthol and is able to regulate and control the senses heat and pain,as wells as vasoconstriction and anapetia.TRPM8 plays an important role in cellular growth and death,which provides an important clue for the study on genesis and development of tumor.