An international study investigates the proteins that enable the perception of low temperatures, crucial for survival in various species.
As winter approaches, the discomfort caused by cold becomes more pronounced, prompting inquiries into how organisms perceive temperature changes. In 2021, David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discovery of temperature and touch receptors, a breakthrough achieved nearly 20 years prior.
Félix Viana de la Iglesia leads a consortium at the Instituto de Neurociencias, aiming to uncover the molecular basis of cold perception in animals. Funded by the Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) with $1.5 million, the project will trace temperature sensors in the genomes of various species, including polar bears and woolly mammoths.
Viana explains, “There is a whole family of proteins specialized in detecting cold and heat.” The TRP ion channels, known since the early 2000s, are key sensors for cold in mammals and birds, particularly TRPM8.
Viana's lab has studied these proteins since 2002, understanding their biochemistry but not fully grasping their functional mechanisms. Collaborating institutions include Stockholm University, the University of Bath, and Columbia University.
The researchers hypothesize that cold receptor sensitivity varies with environmental adaptations. By comparing closely related species adapted to different climates, they aim to identify genetic variations that influence protein function.
Utilizing ancient DNA analysis, the team will examine preserved woolly mammoth remains. Viana notes, “We are going to compare them with modern elephants, which diverged from mammoths about three million years ago.”
Viana's research group specializes in advanced electrophysiology techniques and aims to determine the functional roles of mutations in temperature sensors.
While the project focuses on basic biological functions, Viana, a medical doctor, acknowledges potential therapeutic applications. Patients undergoing chemotherapy often experience neuropathies, leading to increased sensitivity to various stimuli. Understanding cold sensors may help mitigate these symptoms.
Furthermore, the study of cold perception poses challenges, including individual variability and psychological components. Viana points out that women generally report different thermal comfort levels than men, potentially influenced by testosterone.
In summary, this research not only seeks to unravel the complexities of cold perception in animals but also aims to enhance understanding of its implications for human health.