Investigating the role of TRPM8 receptor modulation in parkinson's disease neuroprotection

Overview

This research program investigates the role of the transient receptor potential melastatin subtype 8 (TRPM8) channel in Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Prior evidence suggests that TRPM8 downregulation may protect dopaminergic neurons from neurotoxicity, pointing to TRPM8 as a promising novel pharmacological target. The project seeks to confirm this hypothesis using an ex vivo model based on isolated mouse brain striatum specimens exposed to 6-OH-dopamine, a well-established Parkinson's disease neurotoxin. The work is led by Claudio Ferrante at the Università degli Studi Gabriele d'Annunzio di Chieti–Pescara, an Italian public university with co-located clinical, preclinical, and analytical facilities supporting translational neuroscience research.

Technical specifications

Research model:

• Isolated mouse brain striatum specimens exposed to 6-OH-dopamine to induce dopaminergic neurotoxicity
• Complementary reference to SH-SY5Y cell-based assays challenged with MPP+ neurotoxin

Primary endpoints:

• TRPM8 channel activity in striatal tissue
• Dopamine turnover as an indicator of dopaminergic function

Secondary endpoints:

• Biomarkers of inflammation
• Biomarkers of oxidative stress

Planned activities over 12–15 months:

• Preparation and submission of the experimental protocol to the Italian Ministry of Health for animal research authorization
• Establishment of the mouse colony for experimental procedures
• Execution of the neurotoxicity and pharmacological experiments
• Data analysis and preparation of dissemination reports

Technology readiness level

This is an early-stage preclinical research program at Technology Readiness Level 2–3 (concept formulation and experimental proof-of-concept in a relevant biological model). The work has not yet commenced, as it is awaiting submission and approval of the animal-use authorization by the Italian Ministry of Health. Once approved, the project will progress through colony setup, experimental execution, and data analysis over an estimated 12–15 months. The program is positioned to generate foundational evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of TRPM8 modulation, which could later inform drug discovery partnerships, sponsored research collaborations, or licensing opportunities with industry partners active in neurodegeneration and central nervous system therapeutics.