Function and pharmacology of TRPM cation channels

Non-selective cation channels, transient receptor potential channels and ischemic stroke

Several pathways to neural cell death are involved in ischemic stroke, and all require monovalent or divalent cation influx, implicating non-selective cation (NC) channels. NC channels are also likely to be involved in the dysfunction of vascular endothelial cells that leads to formation of edema following cerebral ischemia. Two newly described NC channels have emerged as potential participants in ischemic stroke, the acid sensing ion channel (ASIC), and the sulfonylurea receptor-1 (SUR1)-regulated NC(Ca-ATP) channel. Non-specific blockers of NC channels, including pinokalant (LOE 908 MS) and rimonabant (SR141716A), have beneficial effects in rodent models of ischemic stroke. Evidence is accumulating that NC channels formed by members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family are also up-regulated in ischemic stroke and may play a direct role in calcium-mediated neuronal death. The nascent field of NC channels, including TRP channels, in ischemic stroke is poised to provide novel mechanistic insights and therapeutic strategies for this often devastating human condition.

The human corneal endothelium: new insights into electrophysiology and ion channels

The corneal endothelium is a monolayer that mediates the flux of solutes and water across the posterior corneal surface. Thereby, it plays an essential role to maintain the transparency of the cornea. Unlike the epithelium, the human endothelium is an amitotic cell layer with a critical cell density and the risk of corneal decompensation. The number of endothelial cells subsequently decreases with age. Moreover, the endothelial cell loss is accelerated after various impairments such as surgical trauma (e.g. cataract extraction) and following corneal transplantation. This cell loss is associated with programmed cell death (apoptosis) and changed ion channel activity. However, little is known about the electrophysiology and ion channel expression (in particular Ca2+ channels) in corneal endothelial cells. This article reviews our current knowledge about the electrophysiology of the corneal endothelium. It highlights ion channel expression, which may have a major role in corneal cell physiology and pathological events. A better understanding of the (electro)physiological function of the cornea may lead to the development of clinical relevant new therapeutic and preventive measures.

Transient receptor potential channels as drug targets

The mammalian transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily of ion channels consists of voltage-independent, non-selective cation channels that are expressed in excitable and non-excitable cells. The biologic roles of TRP channels are diverse and include vascular tone, thermosensation, irritant stimuli sensing and flow sensing in the kidney. TRP channels are a relatively new target in therapeutic drug discovery. During the past few years, pharmaceutical companies have focused their discovery efforts on developing TRP channel modulators with potential therapeutic value. This review focuses on the potential therapeutic benefits of drugs targeting TRP ion channels.

Cell death of melanophores in zebrafish trpm7 mutant embryos depends on melanin synthesis

Transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) is a broadly expressed, non-selective cation channel. Studies in cultured cells implicate TRPM7 in regulation of cell growth, spreading, and survival. However, zebrafish trpm7 homozygous mutants display death of melanophores and temporary paralysis, but no gross morphological defects during embryonic stages. This phenotype implies that melanophores are unusually sensitive to decreases in Trpm7 levels, a hypothesis we investigate here. We find that pharmacological inhibition of caspases does not rescue melanophore viability in trpm7 mutants, implying that melanophores die by a mechanism other than apoptosis. Consistent with this possibility, ultrastructural analysis of dying melanophores in trpm7 mutants reveals abnormal melanosomes and evidence of a ruptured plasma membrane, indicating that cell death occurs by necrosis. Interestingly, inhibition of melanin synthesis largely prevents melanophore cell death in trpm7 mutants. These results suggest that melanophores require Trpm7 in order to detoxify intermediates of melanin synthesis. We find that unlike TRPM1, TRPM7 is expressed in human melanoma cell lines, indicating that these cells may also be sensitized to reduction of TRPM7 levels.

TRP channels as target sites for insecticides: physiology, pharmacology and toxicology

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are attracting attention from various research areas including physiology, pharmacology and toxicology. Our group has focused on TRPA1 channels and revealed their expression pattern, ion channel kinetics and pharmacological characteristics. From Integrated Pest Management point of view, TRP channels could be a possible new target site of pest control agents as well as the primary or secondary target site for known insecticides. We have examined expressed TRPA1 channels using physiological and pharmacological methods to clarify the function of these channels. Here, we show that the TRPA1 is activated by the insecticide and natural toxin allyl isothiocyanate which is known as insecticide.

TRPM2

TRPM2 is a cation channel enabling influx of Na+ and Ca2+, leading to depolarization and increases in the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). It is widely expressed, e.g. in many neurons, blood cells and the endocrine pancreas. Channel gating is induced by ADP-ribose (ADPR) that binds to a Nudix box motif in the cytosolic C-terminus of the channel. Endogenous ADPR concentrations in leucocytes are sufficiently high to activate TRPM2 in the presence of an increased [Ca2+]i but probably not at resting [Ca2+]i. Another channel activator is oxidative stress, especially hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) that may act through ADPR after ADPR polymers have been formed by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) and hydolysed by glycohydrolases. H2O2-stimulated TRPM2 channels essentially contribute to insulin secretion in pancreatic beta-cells and alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus. Inhibition of TRPM2 channels may be achieved by channel blockers such as flufenamic acid or the anti-fungal agents clotrimazole or econazole. Selective blockers of TRPM2 are not yet available; those would be valuable for a characterization of biological roles of TRPM2 in various tissues and as potential drugs directed against oxidative cell damage, reperfusion injury or leucocyte activation. Activation of TRPM2 may be prevented by anti-oxidants, PARP inhibitors and glycohydrolase inhibitors. In future, binding of ADPR to the Nudix box may be targeted. In light of the wide-spread expression and growing list of cellular functions of TRPM2, useful therapeutic applications are expected for future drugs that block TRPM2 channels or inhibit their activation.

Calcium-dependent NMDA-induced dendritic injury and MAP2 loss in acute hippocampal slices

Excessive glutamate receptor stimulation can produce rapid disruption of dendritic morphology, including dendritic beading. We recently showed that transient N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) exposure resulted in irreversible loss of synaptic function and loss of microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2) from apical dendrites. The present study examined the initiation and progression of dendritic injury in mouse hippocampal slices following this excitotoxic stimulus. NMDA exposure (30 microM, 10 min) produced irregularly shaped dendritic swellings, evident first in distal apical dendrite branches, and later (20-90 min) involving most proximal dendrites. Over the same time course, immunoreactivity for the microtubule-associated protein MAP2 was progressively lost from apical dendrites, and increased in CA1 somata. This damage and MAP2 loss was Ca2+-dependent, and was not reversible within the time course of these experiments (90 min post-NMDA washout). Formation of regularly-spaced, spherical dendritic varicosities (dendritic beading) was rarely observed, except when NMDA was applied in Ca2+-free ACSF. Under these conditions, beading appeared predominant in interneurons, as assessed from experiments with GAD67-GFP (Deltaneo) mice. Ca2+-removal was associated with significantly better preservation of dendritic structure (MAP2) following NMDA exposure, and other ionic fluxes (sensitive to Gd3+ and spermine) may contribute to residual damage occurring in Ca2+-free conditions. These results suggest that irregularly shaped dendritic swelling is a Ca2+-dependent degenerative event that may be quite different from Ca2+-independent dendritic beading, and can be a predominant type of injury in CA1 pyramidal neurons in slices.

Transient receptor potential channel TRPM8 agonists stimulate calcium influx and neurotensin secretion in neuroendocrine tumor cells

TRPM8 is a member of the melastatin-type transient receptor potential ion channel family. Activation by cold or by agonists (menthol, icilin) induces a transient rise in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)). Our previous study demonstrated that Ca(2+)-permeable cation channels play a role in IGF-1-induced secretion of chromogranin A in human neuroendocrine tumor (NET) cell line BON [Mergler et al.: Neuroendocrinology 2006;82:87-102]. Here, we extend our earlier study by investigating the expression of TRPM8 and characterizing its impact on [Ca(2+)](i) and the secretion of neurotensin (NT). We identified TRPM8 expression in NET BON cells by RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Icilin increased [Ca(2+)](i) in TRPM8-transfected human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) but not in mock-transfected cells. Icilin and menthol induced Ca(2+) transients in BON cells as well as in primary NET cell cultures of two different pancreatic NETs as detected by single cell fluorescence imaging. Icilin increased non-selective cation channel currents in BON cells as detected by patch-clamp recordings. This activation was associated with increased NT secretion. Taken together, this study demonstrates for the first time the expression TRPM8 in NET cells and its role in regulating [Ca(2+)](i) and NT secretion. The regulation of NT secretion in NETs by TRPM8 may have a potential clinical implication in diagnosis or therapy.

Molecular and electrophysiological characterization of transient receptor potential ion channels in the primary murine megakaryocyte

The molecular identity of platelet Ca(2+) entry pathways is controversial. Furthermore, the extent to which Ca(2+)-permeable ion channels are functional in these tiny, anucleate cells is difficult to assess by direct electrophysiological measurements. Recent work has highlighted how the primary megakaryocyte represents a bona fide surrogate for studies of platelet signalling, including patch clamp recordings of ionic conductances. We have now screened for all known members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of non-selective cation channels in murine megakaryocytes following individual selection of these rare marrow cells using glass micropipettes. RT-PCR detected messages for TRPC6 and TRPC1, which have been reported in platelets and megakaryocytic cell lines, and TRPM1, TRPM2 and TRPM7, which to date have not been demonstrated in cells of megakaryocytic/platelet lineage. Electrophysiological recordings demonstrated the presence of functional TRPM7, a constitutively active cation channel sensitive to intracellular Mg(2+), and TRPM2, an ADP-ribose-dependent cation channel activated by oxidative stress. In addition, the electrophysiological and pharmacological properties of the non-selective cation channels stimulated by the physiological agonist ADP are consistent with a major role for TRPC6 in this G-protein-coupled receptor-dependent Ca(2+) influx pathway. This study defines for the first time the principal TRP channels within the primary megakaryocyte, which represent candidates for Ca(2+) influx pathways activated by a diverse range of stimuli in the platelet and megakaryocyte.

TRP proteins and cancer

Cancer is the second most common cause of death in western countries. It is therefore of fundamental importance to improve the treatment of patients with malignant tumors. This goal can only be achieved if we get closer insight in the various mechanisms leading to tumor formation. Significant progress in the understanding of carcinogenesis has been made during the last couple of years. Ion channels contribute to the regulation of cell proliferation which has initially been shown for K+ channels. Meanwhile, other ion channels such as Cl-, Na+ and Ca2+ channels seem to influence cellular function like growth, migration and invasion. In addition, cation channels of the transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily are implicated in cancer formation. Most recent data concerning TRP vanilloid (TRPV) type 6, TRP melastatin (TRPM) type 1 and 8 channels and their relevance for common human cancer types will be highlighted in this review. Furthermore, TRP channel structure and function will be discussed in the light of their possible importance as prognostic markers and targets for drug discovery.

Chromogenic in situ hybridization analysis of melastatin mRNA expression in melanomas from American Joint Committee on Cancer stage I and II patients with recurrent melanoma

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether loss of melastatin (MLSN) is a universal phenomenon in American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage I and II melanoma patients who experienced recurrence.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Paraffin blocks of primary melanomas (PMs) were retrieved from 30 patients who had a negative sentinel lymph node biopsy and developed recurrent melanoma (AJCC stage I and II). Chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) methods were utilized to evaluate the expression of MLSN mRNA. These results were correlated with clinicopathologic data.

RESULTS

Variable, heterogeneous expression of MLSN mRNA was identified in normal, in situ and invasive melanocytes within and between cases. For the invasive PM component, 24 (80%) had focal, regional or complete loss of MLSN mRNA. The remaining 20% had either regional or total partial downregulation of MLSN mRNA. Intact MLSN mRNA expression was present regionally in 14/30 (47%), with mean relative tumor area of 38%, range 5-85%. Increasing loss of MLSN mRNA significantly correlated with increasing tumor depth and microsatellites (r = 0.1/0.4, p = 0.04). However, thin, AJCC T stage 1a PM had higher relative mean loss than intermediate AJCC T stage 2a/2b/3a thickness PM (65% vs. 34%/48%/25%). Increasing loss of MLSN mRNA significantly impacted on disease free survival (DFS) by multivariate analysis (58 vs. 0% 2 years DFS, < or = 75 vs. > 75% mRNA loss, p = 0.02). Decreased overall survival significantly correlated with increasing age and vascular invasion on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Extensive loss of MLSN in PM correlated with aggressive metastatic melanoma. Ancillary testing for MLSN mRNA expression by CISH could offer a means to more accurately identify AJCC stage I and II patients at risk for metastatic disease, who could benefit from adjuvant therapy.

TRPM7 channel is regulated by magnesium nucleotides via its kinase domain

TRPM7 is a Ca(2+)- and Mg(2+)-permeable cation channel that also contains a protein kinase domain. While there is general consensus that the channel is inhibited by free intracellular Mg(2+), the functional roles of intracellular levels of Mg.ATP and the kinase domain in regulating TRPM7 channel activity have been discussed controversially. To obtain insight into these issues, we have determined the effect of purine and pyrimidine magnesium nucleotides on TRPM7 currents and investigated the possible involvement of the channel's kinase domain in mediating them. We report here that physiological Mg.ATP concentrations can inhibit TRPM7 channels and strongly enhance the channel blocking efficacy of free Mg(2+). Mg.ADP, but not AMP, had similar, albeit smaller effects, indicating a double protection against possible Mg(2+) and Ca(2+) overflow during variations of cell energy levels. Furthermore, nearly all Mg-nucleotides were able to inhibit TRPM7 activity to varying degrees with the following rank in potency: ATP > TTP > CTP > or = GTP > or = UTP > ITP approximately free Mg(2+) alone. These nucleotides also enhanced TRPM7 inhibition by free Mg(2+), suggesting the presence of two interacting binding sites that jointly regulate TRPM7 channel activity. Finally, the nucleotide-mediated inhibition was lost in phosphotransferase-deficient single-point mutants of TRPM7, while the Mg(2+)-dependent regulation was retained with reduced efficacy. Interestingly, truncated mutant channels with a complete deletion of the kinase domain regained Mg.NTP sensitivity; however, this inhibition did not discriminate between nucleotide species, suggesting that the COOH-terminal truncation exposes the previously inaccessible Mg(2+) binding site to Mg-nucleotide binding without imparting nucleotide specificity. We conclude that the nucleotide-dependent regulation of TRPM7 is mediated by the nucleotide binding site on the channel's endogenous kinase domain and interacts synergistically with a Mg(2+) binding site extrinsic to that domain.

Calcium, mitochondria and oxidative stress in neuronal pathology. Novel aspects of an enduring theme

The interplay among reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, elevated intracellular calcium concentration and mitochondrial demise is a recurring theme in research focusing on brain pathology, both for acute and chronic neurodegenerative states. However, causality, extent of contribution or the sequence of these events prior to cell death is not yet firmly established. Here we review the role of the alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex as a newly identified source of mitochondrial ROS production. Furthermore, based on contemporary reports we examine novel concepts as potential mediators of neuronal injury connecting mitochondria, increased [Ca2+]c and ROS/reactive nitrogen species (RNS) formation; specifically: (a) the possibility that plasmalemmal nonselective cationic channels contribute to the latent [Ca2+]c rise in the context of glutamate-induced delayed calcium deregulation; (b) the likelihood of the involvement of the channels in the phenomenon of 'Ca2+ paradox' that might be implicated in ischemia/reperfusion injury; and (c) how ROS/RNS and mitochondrial status could influence the activity of these channels leading to loss of ionic homeostasis and cell death.

Paradox of Ca2+ signaling, cell death and stroke

Since the early 1960s it has been known that restoring extracellular Ca2+ following a period of low Ca2+ concentrations paradoxically causes an increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels that can lead to cell death. The mystery of this 'Ca2+ paradox' is made more intriguing by observations that lowering concentrations of extracellular Ca2+ and/or Mg2+ paradoxically enhances the entry of Ca2+ into hippocampal neurons. Until recently, the entry of Ca2+ through NMDA receptors was accepted as the major pathway leading to the excitotoxic, delayed cell death associated with the ischemic periods of stroke. Here, we discuss how several transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are likely to contribute to both the Ca2+ paradox and the delayed death of neurons following an ischemic stroke.

Differential regulation of transient receptor potential melastatin 6 and 7 cation channels by ANG II in vascular smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats

Intracellular Mg2+ depletion has been implicated in vascular dysfunction in hypertension. We demonstrated that transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) cation channels mediate Mg2+ influx in VSMCs. Whether this plays a role in [Mg2+]i deficiency in hypertension is unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that downregulation of TRPM7 and its homologue TRPM6 is associated with reduced [Mg2+]i and that ANG II negatively regulates TRPM6/7 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Cultured VSMCs from Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and SHR were studied. mRNA and protein expression of TRPM6 and TRPM7 were assessed by RT-PCR and immunoblotting, respectively. Translocation of annexin-1, specific TRPM7 substrate, was measured as an index of TRPM7 activation. [Mg2+]i was determined using mag fura-2. VSMCs from WKY and SHR express TRPM6 and TRPM7. Basal TRPM6 expression was similar in WKY and SHR, but basal TRPM7 content was lower in VSMCs from SHR vs. WKY. This was associated with significantly reduced [Mg2+]i in SHR cells ( P < 0.01). ANG II time-dependently increased TRPM6 expression, with similar responses in WKY and SHR. ANG II significantly increased TRPM7 expression in WKY ( P < 0.05), but not in SHR. Annexin-1 translocation was reduced 1.5–2-fold in SHR vs. WKY. Our findings demonstrate that TRPM6 and TRPM7 are differentially regulated in VSMCs from SHR and WKY. Whereas TRPM6 is unaltered in SHR, expression of TRPM7 is blunted. This was associated with attenuated annexin-1 translocation and decreased VSMC [Mg2+]i in SHR. Downregulation of TRPM7, but not TRPM6, may play a role in altered Mg2+ homeostasis in VSMCs from SHR.

Regulation of TRPM2 channels in neutrophil granulocytes by ADP-ribose: a promising pharmacological target

TRPM2 channels play an important role in the activation process of neutrophil granulocytes. One mechanism of TRPM2 channel gating is the binding of intracellular ADP ribose (ADPR) to the Nudix box domain in the C-terminal tail of TRPM2. Intracellular Ca(2+), although not an activator of TRPM2 by its own, significantly enhances TRPM2 gating by ADPR. Stimulation of neutrophil granulocytes with the chemoattractant peptide N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) induces release of Ca(2+) ions from intracellular stores which in cooperation with endogenous ADPR levels enable Ca(2+) influx through TRPM2. Stimulation of the ectoenzyme CD38, a membrane-associated glycohydrolase with ADPR as main product, and uptake of ADPR into the cell may contribute to the effects of fMLP. Inhibition of ADPR production, of uptake and of binding to TRPM2 are all potential pharmacological principles by which a modulation of neutrophil function may become possible in future.

Melastatin-type transient receptor potential channel 7 is required for intestinal pacemaking activity

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Interstitial cells of Cajal are pacemakers in the gastrointestinal tract, regulating rhythmicity by activating nonselective cation channels. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the melastatin-type transient receptor potential (TRPM) channel, especially TRPM7, was suggested as being involved in defecation rhythm. The aim here was to show that the nonselective cation channel in interstitial cells of Cajal in mouse small intestine has properties essentially identical to those of murine TRPM7, heterologously expressed in human embryonic kidney cells.

METHODS

The patch-clamp technique for whole-cell recording was used in cultured or single interstitial cells of Cajal. TRPM7-specific small interfering RNAs were used for specific inhibition of TRPM7.

RESULTS

Electrophysiological and pharmacological properties of the nonselective cation channel in interstitial cells of Cajal were the same as those of TRPM7. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry all showed abundant and localized expression of TRPM7 messenger RNA and protein in mouse small intestine. Treatment of primary cultured interstitial cells of Cajal with TRPM7-specific small interfering RNA resulted in inhibition of pacemaking activity.

CONCLUSIONS

TRPM7 is required for intestinal pacemaking. The protein is a likely potential target for pharmacological treatment of motor disorders of the gut.

Transcriptional regulation and processing increase the functional variability of TRPM channels

Mammalian TRP channels display heterogenous biophysical properties and are involved in a variety of signal transduction pathways. To carry out their diverse biological functions and to adapt these functions to changes of the environment, mechanisms to regulate their molecular structure are required. Transcriptional regulation and post-transcriptional RNA processing represent essential instruments to generate TRP channel variants with modified properties. TRP variants are expressed depending on the tissue and developmental state. They can show distinct biophysical properties and mechanisms of activation, and thereby determine channel function and malfunction in certain human diseases. In this review, we give an overview of the variants of a given TRP gene, with the focus on the TRPM subfamily, and discuss their relevance with respect to their function under physiological and pathological conditions.