Non-selective ion channel permeable to monovalent and divalent cations, including Na(+), K(+), and Ca(2+), with higher permeability for Ca(2+). Activated by multiple factors, such as temperature, voltage, pressure, and changes in osmolality. Activated by cool temperatures (<23-28 degrees Celsius) and by chemical ligands evoking a sensation of coolness, such as menthol and icilin therefore plays a central role in the detection of environmental cold temperatures (PubMed:15306801, PubMed:15852009, PubMed:16174775, PubMed:25559186, PubMed:37857704). TRPM8 is a voltage-dependent channel; its activation by cold or chemical ligands shifts its voltage thresholds towards physiological membrane potentials, leading to the opening of the channel (PubMed:15306801). In addition to its critical role in temperature sensing, regulates basal tear secretion by sensing evaporation-induced cooling and changes in osmolality (By similarity). May play a role in prostate cancer cell migration (PubMed:16174775, PubMed:25559186). {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:Q8R4D5, ECO:0000269|PubMed:15306801, ECO:0000269|PubMed:15852009, ECO:0000269|PubMed:16174775, ECO:0000269|PubMed:25559186, ECO:0000269|PubMed:37857704}. [Isoform 2]: Negatively regulates menthol- and cold-induced channel activity by stabilizing the closed state of the channel. . [Isoform 3]: Negatively regulates menthol- and cold-induced channel activity by stabilizing the closed state of the channel. . This is the function of TRPM8 (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8, Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000144481).