Increased transcription of cytokine genes in human lung epithelial cells through activation of a TRPM8 variant by cold temperatures.

ABSTRACT: Recognition of temperature is a critical element of sensory perception and allows mammals to evaluate both their external environment and internal status. The respiratory epithelium is constantly exposed to the external environment, and prolonged inhalation of cold air is detrimental to human airways. However, the mechanisms responsible for adverse effects elicited by cold air on the human airways are poorly understood. Transient receptor potential melastatin family member 8 (TRPM8) is a well-established cold- and menthol-sensing cation channel. We recently discovered a functional cold- and menthol-sensing variant of the TRPM8 ion channel in human lung epithelial cells. The present study explores the hypothesis that this TRPM8 variant mediates airway cell inflammatory responses elicited by

SUBMITTER: Sabnis AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2491334 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature