# Role of TRPM8 in Cold-stored Platelet Transfusions

> **NIH NIH R01** · BLOODWORKS · 2022 · $477,739

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The detection of temperature change by nerve receptors in human tissues is a life‐preserving
function which is highly evolutionarily selected. Platelets show a unique response to cold with
cytoskeletal rearrangement and low‐level receptor activation. Temperature‐gated transient
receptor potential channels (Thermo TRPs) are a family of ion channels activated by temperature.
Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 8 (TRPM8) also known as Cold and Menthol Receptor 1
(CMR1), is a nonselective cation channel gated by cold‐stimuli and various cooling reagents
including menthol, eucalyptol, and icilin. In preliminary studies, we show that platelets express
TRPM8, and the addition of TRPM8 agonists mimic typical morphologic and functional changes
of platelets exposed to cold.
The overarching goal of these studies is to characterize the molecular pathways through which
platelets react to temperature changes. Further elucidating these mechanisms could lead to
improved platelet storage conditions at 4ºC for transfusions, safer antiplatelet therapy, better
prevention of heart attacks, and fewer side effects when therapeutic lowering of the body
temperature after cardiac arrest is required.
In aim 1 of this proposal, we will characterize the role of TRPM8 in platelets and elucidate its
specific function for the cold platelet phenotype. This aim proposes to expand on our preliminary
data that identified TRPM8 on human platelets and underscore its functional relevance. In aim 2
we will evaluate TRPM8 as a target for inhibition during platelet storage at 4ºC utilizing a small
molecule TRPM8 inhibitor. In aim 3 of this proposal, we will determine the role of TRPM8
inhibition during 4ºC storage for recovery, survival, and function after transfusion in healthy
human subjects.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10451633
- **Project number:** 5R01HL153072-03
- **Recipient organization:** BLOODWORKS
- **Principal Investigator:** Moritz Stolla
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $477,739
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-08-01 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10451633

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10451633, Role of TRPM8 in Cold-stored Platelet Transfusions (5R01HL153072-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10451633. Licensed CC0.

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