OPTIMIZED TRPM8 NUCLEIC ACID SEQUENCES AND THEIR USE IN CELL BASED ASSAYS AND TEST KITS TO IDENTIFY TRPM8 MODULATORS

摘要

Modified human TRPM8 nucleic acid sequences which are efficiently expressed in human cells and cell-based assays and test kits containing same are provided. These assays identify TRPM8 modulators using cells that express a modified human TRPM8 nucleic acid sequence according to the invention, wherein said sequence has been modified relative to a wild-type human TRPM8 nucleic acid sequence in order to optimize ion channel expression in desired cells. Assays using these modified TRPM8 sequences have been shown to identify compounds that modulate the human TRPM8 ion channel better or comparably to known coolants such as menthol and icilin.