ABOUT THE LECTURE
We have a long-standing interest in understanding how humans sense thermal and chemical stimuli through calcium permeation via Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) ion channels. The TRPM8 (Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 8) channel is the primary molecular transducer responsible for the sensation of coolness induced by menthol and cold temperatures in mammals. Furthermore, our sensory adaptation to cold is mediated by the desensitization properties of TRPM8 channels. TRPM8 is also implicated in cold-evoked pain disorders and migraines, making its inhibitors a promising avenue for pain relief. Understanding the mechanisms of TRPM8 activation and desensitization by cold is not only a fundamental question but also has significant potential for therapeutic development. We have elucidated the structural and mechanistic bases of TRPM8 activation, desensitization, and inhibition. Our findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying cold sensation and adaptation in mammals, as well as highlight the therapeutic potential of TRPM8 in treating neuroinflammatory diseases and cold-evoked pain.
HOST
Prof David Lawrence Silver
Deputy Director
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Programme
Duke-NUS Medical School
VENUE
Duke-NUS Medical School
Meeting Room 7C, Level 7
CONTACT PERSON
Ms Serene Wie (serene.wie@duke-nus.edu.sg)
Duke-NUS Research Affairs Department
Date and Time
26 Nov 2024 @ 12:00 - 26 Nov 2024 @ 13:00
Speaker
Prof Seok-Yong Lee
George Barth Geller Distinguished Professor
Duke University School of Medicine
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Seok-Yong Lee, Ph.D. is a professor of Biochemistry at Duke University School of Medicine. His work on ion channels and transporters led to the molecular understanding of heat, cold, and irritant detection and drug transport in humans. His discoveries laid the foundation for understanding thermal and chemical pain sensing and drug disposition, expediting non-opioid analgesic, anticancer and antiviral drug development. He is a recipient of many awards.