TRPV6 potentiates calcium-dependent cell proliferation

The TRPV6 Calcium Channel and Its Relationship with Cancer

Transient receptor potential vanilloid-6 (TRPV6) is a cation channel belonging to the TRP superfamily, specifically the vanilloid subfamily, and is the sixth member of this subfamily. Its presence in the body is primarily limited to the skin, ovaries, kidney, testes, and digestive tract epithelium. The body maintains calcium homeostasis using the TRPV6 channel, which has a greater calcium selectivity than the other TRP channels. Several pieces of evidence suggest that it is upregulated in the advanced stages of thyroid, ovarian, breast, colon, and prostate cancers. The function of TRPV6 in regulating calcium signaling in cancer will be covered in this review, along with its potential applications as a cancer treatment target.

Molecular pharmacology of the onco-TRP channel TRPV6

TRPV6, a representative of the vanilloid subfamily of TRP channels, serves as the principal calcium uptake channel in the gut. Dysregulation of TRPV6 results in disturbed calcium homeostasis leading to a variety of human diseases, including many forms of cancer. Inhibitors of this oncochannel are therefore particularly needed. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advances in structural pharmacology that uncovered the molecular mechanisms of TRPV6 inhibition by a variety of small molecules, including synthetic and natural, plant-derived compounds as well as some prospective and clinically approved drugs.

Biochemistry and pathophysiology of the Transient Potential Receptor Vanilloid 6 (TRPV6) calcium channel

TRPV6 is a Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid (TRPV) cation channel with high selectivity for Ca²⁺ ions. First identified in 1999 in a search for the gene which mediates intestinal Ca²⁺ absorption, its far more extensive repertoire as a guardian of intracellular Ca²⁺ has since become apparent. Studies on TRPV6-deficient mice demonstrated additional important roles in placental Ca²⁺ transport, fetal bone development and male fertility. The first reports of inherited deficiency in newborn babies appeared in 2018, revealing its physiological importance in humans. There is currently strong evidence that TRPV6 also contributes to the pathogenesis of some common cancers. The recently reported association of TRPV6 deficiency with non-alcoholic chronic pancreatitis suggests a role in normal pancreatic function. Over time and with greater awareness of TRPV6, other disease-associations are likely to emerge. Powerful analytical tools have provided invaluable insights into the structure and operation of TRPV6. Its roles in Ca²⁺ signaling and carcinogenesis, and the use of channel inhibitors in cancer treatment are being intensively investigated. This review first briefly describes the biochemistry and physiology of the channel, and analytical methods used to investigate these. The focus subsequently shifts to the clinical disorders associated with abnormal expression and the underlying pathophysiology. The aims of this review are to increase awareness of this channel, and to draw together findings from a wide range of sources which may help to formulate new ideas for further studies.

Calcium selective channel TRPV6: Structure, function, and implications in health and disease

Calcium-selective channel TRPV6 (Transient Receptor Potential channel family, Vanilloid subfamily member 6) belongs to the TRP family of cation channels and plays critical roles in transcellular calcium (Ca2+) transport, reuptake of Ca2+ into cells, and maintaining a local low Ca2+ environment for certain biological processes. Recent crystal and cryo-electron microscopy-based structures of TRPV6 have revealed mechanistic insights on how the protein achieves Ca2+ selectivity, permeation, and inactivation by calmodulin. The TRPV6 protein is expressed in a range of epithelial tissues such as the intestine, kidney, placenta, epididymis, and exocrine glands such as the pancreas, prostate and salivary, sweat, and mammary glands. The TRPV6 gene is a direct transcriptional target of the active form of vitamin D and is efficiently regulated to meet the body's need for Ca2+ demand. In addition, TRPV6 is also regulated by the level of dietary Ca2+ and under physiological conditions such as pregnancy and lactation. Genetic models of loss of function in TRPV6 display hypercalciuria, decreased bone marrow density, deficient weight gain, reduced fertility, and in some cases alopecia. The models also reveal that the channel plays an indispensable role in maintaining maternal-fetal Ca2+ transport and low Ca2+ environment in the epididymal lumen that is critical for male fertility. Most recently, loss of function mutations in TRPV6 gene is linked to transient neonatal hyperparathyroidism and early onset chronic pancreatitis. TRPV6 is overexpressed in a wide range of human malignancies and its upregulation is strongly correlated to tumor aggressiveness, metastasis, and poor survival in selected cancers. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on the expression, structure, biophysical properties, function, polymorphisms, and regulation of TRPV6. The aberrant expression, polymorphisms, and dysfunction of this protein linked to human diseases are also discussed.

Combined Metallomics/Transcriptomics Profiling Reveals a Major Role for Metals in Wound Repair

Endogenous metals are required for all life, orchestrating the action of diverse cellular processes that are crucial for tissue function. The dynamic wound healing response is underpinned by a plethora of such cellular behaviours, occurring in a time-dependent manner. However, the importance of endogenous metals for cutaneous repair remains largely unexplored. Here we combine ICP-MS with tissue-level RNA-sequencing to reveal profound changes in a number of metals, and corresponding metal-regulated genes, across temporal healing in mice. Wound calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and manganese are elevated at 7 days post-wounding, while magnesium, iron, aluminium, manganese and cobalt increase at 14 days post-wounding. At the level of transcription, wound-induced pathways are independently highly enriched for metal-regulated genes, and vice versa. Moreover, specific metals are linked to distinct wound-induced biological processes and converge on key transcriptional regulators in mice and humans. Finally, we reveal a potential role for one newly identified transcriptional regulator, TNF, in calcium-induced epidermal differentiation. Together, these data highlight potential new and diverse roles for metals in cutaneous wound repair, paving the way for further studies to elucidate the contribution of metals to cellular processes in the repair of skin and other tissues.

Structural mechanisms of TRPV6 inhibition by ruthenium red and econazole

TRPV6 is a calcium-selective ion channel implicated in epithelial Ca2+ uptake. TRPV6 inhibitors are needed for the treatment of a broad range of diseases associated with disturbed calcium homeostasis, including cancers. Here we combine cryo-EM, calcium imaging, and mutagenesis to explore molecular bases of human TRPV6 inhibition by the antifungal drug econazole and the universal ion channel blocker ruthenium red (RR). Econazole binds to an allosteric site at the channel's periphery, where it replaces a lipid. In contrast, RR inhibits TRPV6 by binding in the middle of the ion channel's selectivity filter and plugging its pore like a bottle cork. Despite different binding site locations, both inhibitors induce similar conformational changes in the channel resulting in closure of the gate formed by S6 helices bundle crossing. The uncovered molecular mechanisms of TRPV6 inhibition can guide the design of a new generation of clinically useful inhibitors.

The role of TRPV channels in osteoporosis

As the world's population ages, the treatment of osteoporosis is a major problem to be addressed. The cause of osteoporosis remains unclear. Ca²⁺ is not only an important component of bones but also plays a key role in osteoporosis treatment. Transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channels are one of the TRP channel families that is widely distributed in various organs, playing an important role in the physiological regulation of the human body. Bone formation and bone absorption may require Ca²⁺ transport via TRPV channels. It has been proven that the TRPV subtypes 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 (TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV4, TRPV5, TRPV6) may affect bone metabolism balance through selective regulation of Ca²⁺. They significantly regulate osteoblast/osteoclast proliferation, differentiation and function. The purpose of this review is to explore the mechanisms of TRPV channels involved in regulation of the differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, as well as to discuss the latest developments in current researches, which may provide new clues and directions for an in-depth study of osteoporosis and other related bone metabolic diseases.

Development of Store-Operated Calcium Entry-Targeted Compounds in Cancer

Store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) is the major pathway of Ca²⁺ entry in mammalian cells, and regulates a variety of cellular functions including proliferation, motility, apoptosis, and death. Accumulating evidence has indicated that augmented SOCE is related to the generation and development of cancer, including tumor formation, proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and antitumor immunity. Therefore, the development of compounds targeting SOCE has been proposed as a potential and effective strategy for use in cancer therapy. In this review, we summarize the current research on SOCE inhibitors and blockers, discuss their effects and possible mechanisms of action in cancer therapy, and induce a new perspective on the treatment of cancer.

Inactivation-mimicking block of the epithelial calcium channel TRPV6

Epithelial calcium channel TRPV6 plays vital roles in calcium homeostasis, and its dysregulation is implicated in multifactorial diseases, including cancers. Here, we study the molecular mechanism of selective nanomolar-affinity TRPV6 inhibition by (4-phenylcyclohexyl)piperazine derivatives (PCHPDs). We use x-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy to solve the inhibitor-bound structures of TRPV6 and identify two types of inhibitor binding sites in the transmembrane region: (i) modulatory sites between the S1-S4 and pore domains normally occupied by lipids and (ii) the main site in the ion channel pore. Our structural data combined with mutagenesis, functional and computational approaches suggest that PCHPDs plug the open pore of TRPV6 and convert the channel into a nonconducting state, mimicking the action of calmodulin, which causes inactivation of TRPV6 channels under physiological conditions. This mechanism of inhibition explains the high selectivity and potency of PCHPDs and opens up unexplored avenues for the design of future-generation biomimetic drugs.

TRPV6 calcium channel directs homeostasis of the mammary epithelial sheets and controls epithelial mesenchymal transition

Epithelial integrity is lost upon cancer progression as cancer cells detach from the primary tumor site and start to invade to the surrounding tissues. Invasive cancers of epithelial origin often express altered levels of TRP-family cation channels. Upregulation of TRPV6 Ca2+-channel has been associated with a number of human malignancies and its high expression in breast cancer has been linked to both proliferation and invasive disease. The mechanisms behind the potential of TRPV6 to induce invasive progression have, however, not been well elucidated. Here we show that TRPV6 is connected to both E-cadherin-based adherens junctions and intracellular cytoskeletal structures. Loss of TRPV6 from normal mammary epithelial cells led to disruption of epithelial integrity and abnormal 3D-mammo sphere morphology. Furthermore, expression level of TRPV6 was tightly linked to the levels of common EMT markers, suggesting that TRPV6 may have a role in the mesenchymal invasion of breast cancer cells. Thus, either too low or too high TRPV6 levels compromise homeostasis of the mammary epithelial sheets and may promote the progression of pathophysiological conditions.

Natural product inspired optimization of a selective TRPV6 calcium channel inhibitor

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 6 (TRPV6) is a calcium channel implicated in multifactorial diseases and overexpressed in numerous cancers. We recently reported the phenyl-cyclohexyl-piperazine cis-22a as the first submicromolar TRPV6 inhibitor. This inhibitor showed a seven-fold selectivity against the closely related calcium channel TRPV5 and no activity on store-operated calcium channels (SOC), but very significant off-target effects and low microsomal stability. Here, we surveyed analogues incorporating structural features of the natural product capsaicin and identified 3OG, a new oxygenated analog with similar potency against TRPV6 (IC50 = 0.082 ± 0.004 μM) and ion channel selectivity, but with high microsomal stability and very low off-target effects. This natural product-inspired inhibitor does not exhibit any non-specific toxicity effects on various cell lines and is proposed as a new tool compound to test pharmacological inhibition of TRPV6 mediated calcium flux in disease models.

Canales de calcio como blanco de interés farmacológico

Los canales de calcio son proteínas de membrana que constituyen la vía más importante para el ingreso del ion calcio (Ca2+) a la célula. Al abrirse, permiten el ingreso selectivo del ion, iniciando una variedad de procesos como contracción muscular, secreción endocrina y liberación de neurotransmisores, entre otros. Estas proteínas se agrupan en tres categorías de acuerdo con sus propiedades estructurales y funcionales: (i) Canales de Ca2+ operados por interacción receptor-ligando (ROCC), (ii) Canales activados por parámetros físicos (Transient Receptor Potencial, TRP) y (iii) Canales de Calcio dependientes de voltaje (VDCCs), siendo estos últimos los más estudiados debido a su presencia en células excitables. Dada la importancia de Ca2+ en la fisiología celular, los canales de Ca2+ constituyen un punto de acción farmacológica importante para múltiples tratamientos y, por tanto, son objeto de estudio para el desarrollo de nuevos fármacos. El objetivo de esta revisión es explicar la importancia de los canales de Ca2+ desde una proyección farmacológica, a partir de la exploración documental de artículos publicados hasta la fecha teniendo en cuenta temas relacionados con la estructura de los canales Ca2+, sus propiedades biofísicas, localización celular, funcionamiento y su interacción farmacológica.

TRPV Subfamily (TRPV2, TRPV3, TRPV4, TRPV5, and TRPV6) Gene and Protein Expression in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction

TRPVs are a group of receptors with a channel activity predominantly permeable to Ca²⁺. This subfamily is involved in the development of gastrointestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of the study was to characterize the gene and protein expression of the TRPV subfamily in UC patients and controls.

Methods

We determined by quantitative PCR the gene expression of TRPV2, TRPV3, TRPV4, TRPV5, and TRPV6 in 45 UC patients (29 active UC and 16 remission UC) and 26 noninflamed controls. Protein expression was evaluated in 5 μm thick sections of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue from 5 customized severe active UC patients and 5 control surgical specimens.

Results

TRPV2 gene expression was increased in the control group compared with active UC and remission patients (P = 0.002 and P = 0.05, respectively). TRPV3 gene expression was significantly higher in controls than in active UC patients (P = 0.002). The gene expression of TRPV4 was significantly higher in colonic tissue from patients with remission UC compared with active UC patients (P = 0.05) and controls (P = 0.005). TRPV5 had significantly higher mRNA levels in a control group compared with active UC patients (P = 0.02). The gene expression of TRPV6 was significantly higher in the colonic tissue from patients with active UC compared with the control group (P = 0.05). The protein expression of TRPV2 was upregulated in the mucosa and submucosa from the controls compared with the UC patients (P ≤ 0.003). The protein expression of TRPV3 and TRPV4 was upregulated in all intestinal layers from the controls compared with the UC patients (P < 0.001). TRPV5 was upregulated in the submucosa and serosa from the controls vs. UC patients (P < 0.001). TRPV6 was upregulated in all intestinal layers from the UC patients vs. controls (P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

The TRPV subfamily clearly showed a differential expression in the UC patients compared with the controls, suggesting their role in the pathophysiology of UC.

Structure and function of the calcium-selective TRP channel TRPV6

Epithelial calcium channel TRPV6 is a member of the vanilloid subfamily of TRP channels that is permeable to cations and highly selective to Ca²⁺ ; it shows constitutive activity regulated negatively by Ca²⁺ and positively by phosphoinositol and cholesterol lipids. In this review, we describe the molecular structure of TRPV6 and discuss how its structural elements define its unique functional properties. High Ca²⁺ selectivity of TRPV6 originates from the narrow selectivity filter, where Ca²⁺ ions are directly coordinated by a ring of anionic aspartate side chains. Divalent cations Ca²⁺ and Ba²⁺ permeate TRPV6 pore according to the knock-off mechanism, while tight binding of Gd³⁺ to the aspartate ring blocks the channel and prevents Na⁺ from permeating the pore. The iris-like channel opening is accompanied by an α-to-π helical transition in the pore-lining transmembrane helix S6. As a result of this transition, the intracellular halves of the S6 helices bend and rotate by about 100 deg, exposing different residues to the channel pore in the open and closed states. Channel opening is also associated with changes in occupancy of the transmembrane domain lipid binding sites. The inhibitor 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) binds to TRPV6 in a pocket formed by the cytoplasmic half of the S1-S4 transmembrane helical bundle and shifts open-closed channel equilibrium towards the closed state by outcompeting lipids critical for activation. Ca²⁺ inhibits TRPV6 via binding to calmodulin (CaM), which mediates Ca²⁺ -dependent inactivation. The TRPV6-CaM complex exhibits 1:1 stoichiometry; one TRPV6 tetramer binds both CaM lobes, which adopt a distinct head-to-tail arrangement. The CaM C-terminal lobe plugs the channel through a unique cation-π interaction by inserting the side chain of lysine K115 into a tetra-tryptophan cage at the ion channel pore intracellular entrance. Recent studies of TRPV6 structure and function described in this review advance our understanding of the role of this channel in physiology and pathophysiology and inform new therapeutic design.

The Presence and Distribution of TRPM7 in the Canine Mammary Glands

The transient receptor potential melastatin-subfamily member 7 (TRPM7) cation channel is a bifunctional ion channel with intrinsic kinase activity and is ubiquitously expressed in the animal/human body. Accumulated knowledge of TRPM7 suggests that it plays an essential role in normal physiological processes, including the development, survival, proliferation, differentiation, and migration of cells. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the presence and expression patterns of TRPM7 in normal canine mammary glands using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Normal mammary gland tissue samples were obtained from five female beagle dogs. RT-PCR and sequencing of the amplified PCR products demonstrated the presence of TRPM7 mRNA in normal mammary glands, and the presence of TRPM7 protein was confirmed by Western blotting. Immunohistochemical investigations demonstrated the expression of TRPM7 in the apical membrane of acinar and ductal epithelial cells in the canine mammary glands. These results provide the first evidence of the presence and distribution of TRPM7 in the canine mammary gland and could help explain the physiological and pathological roles of TRPM7 in the canine mammary gland; however, additional studies are required to elucidate these roles.

Ion Channel Regulation by Sex Steroid Hormones and Vitamin D in Cancer: A Potential Opportunity for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy

Many ion channels are involved in tumor development, promoting cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and survival. Accordingly, some of them have been suggested as tumor markers and novel targets for cancer therapy. Some sex steroid hormones (SSH), including estrogens and androgens, favor cancer progression. Meanwhile, other steroid hormones like vitamin D may have anticancer properties. SSH and vitamin D modulate the expression of a number of ion channels in cancer cells from hormone-sensitive tissues, including breast, ovary, prostate, and cervix. Moreover, rapid effects of SSH may be mediated by their direct action on membrane ion channels. Here, we reviewed the SSH and vitamin D regulation of ion channels involved in cancer, and analyzed the potential molecular pathways implicated. In addition, we described the potential clinical use of ion channels in cancer diagnosis and therapy, taking advantage of their regulation by SSH and vitamin D. Since SSH are considered risk factors for different types of cancer, and ion channels play important roles in tumor progression, the regulation of ion channels by SSH and vitamin D may represent a potential opportunity for early cancer diagnosis and therapeutic approaches in SSH and vitamin D sensitive tumors.

TRPV6 as A Target for Cancer Therapy

Two decades ago a class of ion channels, hitherto unsuspected, was discovered. In mammals these Transient Receptor Potential channels (TRPs) have not only expanded in number (to 26 functional channels) but also expanded the view of our interface with the physical and chemical environment. Some are heat and cold sensors while others monitor endogenous and/or exogenous chemical signals. Some TRP channels monitor osmotic potential, and others measure cell movement, stretching, and fluid flow. Many TRP channels are major players in nociception and integration of pain signals. One member of the vanilloid sub-family of channels is TRPV6. This channel is highly selective for divalent cations, particularly calcium, and plays a part in general whole-body calcium homeostasis, capturing calcium in the gut from the diet. TRPV6 can be greatly elevated in a number of cancers deriving from epithelia and considerable study has been made of its role in the cancer phenotype where calcium control is dysfunctional. This review compiles and updates recent published work on TRPV6 as a promising drug target in a number of cancers including those afflicting breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic tissues.

Selective Inhibition of Liver Cancer Cells Using Venom Peptide

Increasingly cancer is being viewed as a channelopathy because the passage of ions via ion channels and transporters mediate the regulation of tumor cell survival, death, and motility. As a result, a potential targeted therapy for cancer is to use venom peptides that are selective for ion channels and transporters overexpressed in tumor cells. Here we describe the selectivity and mechanism of action of terebrid snail venom peptide, Tv1, for treating the most common type of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Tv1 inhibited the proliferation of murine HCC cells and significantly reduced tumor size in Tv1-treated syngeneic tumor-bearing mice. Tv1's mechanism of action involves binding to overexpressed transient receptor potential (TRP) channels leading to calcium dependent apoptosis resulting from down-regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Our findings demonstrate the importance of modulating ion channels and the unique potential of venom peptides as tumor specific ligands in the quest for targeted cancer therapies.

Inhibition of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 6 channel, elevated in human ovarian cancers, reduces tumour growth in a xenograft model

Background: Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 6 (TRPV6), a non-voltage gated calcium channel, is implicated in malignancies and correlates with Gleason scores in prostate cancer and with poor prognosis in breast cancer. Data on the TRPV6 status of ovarian malignancies has not received significant attention. The effect of inhibiting TRPV6 activity on ovarian tumour growth has never been reported.

Methods: We quantified TRPV6 mRNA and protein in biopsies of five types of ovarian cancer at different stages and grades by quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry respectively. We verified the presence of TRPV6 in SKOV-3 cells and xenografts by Western Blotting. NOD/SCID mice bearing xenografted ovarian tumours derived from SKOV-3 were treated daily with TRPV6-antagonistic peptides (SOR-C13 and SOR-C27) at 400, 600 and 800 mg/kg delivered intraperitoneally (i.p.) over 12 days. Data from qPCR and tumour growth experiments were compared with a Student's t-test. Immunohistochemical ranking of staining were compared with Kruskall-Wallace one-way ANOVA and Dunn's Multiple Comparison post-test.

Results: TRPV6 mRNA and protein are significantly elevated at all stages and grades of 5 ovarian cancer types over normal tissue. Overall qPCR log2 values (n, mean, ± SEM) for mRNA in tumour (n = 165, 5.06 ± 0.16) were greater (p < 0.05) than normal tissues (n = 26, 0.45 ± 0.41). All stages and grades included in the biopsy arrays were significantly greater than normal tissues. Immunohistochemical staining of TRPV6 was ranked >2 (faint in most cells) in 80.5% of tumours (123) while 92% of normal tissues (23) ranked ≤ 2. Daily i.p. injection with SOR-C13 (400, 600 and 800 mg/kg) over 12 days inhibits tumour growth (59%) at the highest dose compared to non-treated controls. SOR-C27 at 800 mg/kg SOR-C27 inhibited tumour growth 55% after 12 days. Results of daily and intermittent dosing (Days 1, 2, 3 and 8, 9, 10) with SOR-C13 were indistinguishable.

Conclusion: TRPV6 mRNA and protein are elevated in biopsies of ovarian cancers compared to normal tissue. Inhibition of TRPV6 activity significantly reduces ovarian tumour growth providing evidence that TRPV6 is a feasible oncology target in ovarian cancers.

Carbonate Apatite Nanoparticles-Facilitated Intracellular Delivery of siRNA(s) Targeting Calcium Ion Channels Efficiently Kills Breast Cancer Cells

Specific gene knockdown facilitated by short interfering RNA (siRNA) is a potential approach for suppressing the expression of ion channels and transporter proteins to kill breast cancer cells. The overexpression of calcium ion channels and transporter genes is seen in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Since naked siRNA is anionic and prone to nuclease-mediated degradation, it has limited permeability across the cationic cell membrane and short systemic half-life, respectively. Carbonate apatite (CA) nanoparticles were formulated, characterized, loaded with a series of siRNAs, and delivered into MCF-7 and 4T1 breast cancer cells to selectively knockdown the respective calcium and magnesium ion channels and transporters. Individual knockdown of TRPC6, TRPM7, TRPM8, SLC41A1, SLC41A2, ORAI1, ORAI3, and ATP2C1 genes showed significant reduction (p < 0.001) in cell viability depending on the cancer cell type. From a variety of combinations of siRNAs, the combination of TRPC6, TRPM8, SLC41A2, and MAGT1 siRNAs delivered via CA produced the greatest cell viability reduction, resulting in a cytotoxicity effect of 57.06 ± 3.72% (p < 0.05) and 59.83 ± 2.309% (p = 0.09) in 4T1 and MCF-7 cell lines, respectively. Some of the combinations were shown to suppress the Akt pathway in Western Blot analysis when compared to the controls. Therefore, CA-siRNA-facilitated gene knockdown in vitro holds a high prospect for deregulating cell proliferation and survival pathways through the modulation of Ca²⁺ signaling in breast cancer cells.

Structural bases of TRP channel TRPV6 allosteric modulation by 2-APB

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are involved in various physiological processes, including sensory transduction. The TRP channel TRPV6 mediates calcium uptake in epithelia and its expression is dramatically increased in numerous types of cancer. TRPV6 inhibitors suppress tumor growth, but the molecular mechanism of inhibition remains unknown. Here, we present crystal and cryo-EM structures of human and rat TRPV6 bound to 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB), a TRPV6 inhibitor and modulator of numerous TRP channels. 2-APB binds to TRPV6 in a pocket formed by the cytoplasmic half of the S1-S4 transmembrane helix bundle. Comparing human wild-type and high-affinity mutant Y467A structures, we show that 2-APB induces TRPV6 channel closure by modulating protein-lipid interactions. Mutagenesis and functional analyses suggest that the identified 2-APB binding site might be present in other members of vanilloid subfamily TRP channels. Our findings reveal a mechanism of ion channel allosteric modulation that can be exploited for therapeutic design.

Vitamin D receptor suppresses proliferation and metastasis in renal cell carcinoma cell lines via regulating the expression of the epithelial Ca2+ channel TRPV5

We previously demonstrated that transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily 5 (TRPV5) expression was decreased in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) compared with that in normal kidney tissues, a finding that was correlated with vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression, but further investigations is warranted. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether VDR could regulate the expression of TRPV5 and affect proliferation and metastasis in RCC. In this study, we used lentivirus to conduct the model of VDR overexpression and knockdown caki-1 and 786-O RCC cell lines in vitro. The results demonstrated that VDR overexpression significantly inhibited RCC cells proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted apoptosis by the MTT, transwell cell migration/invasion and flow cytometry assays, respectively. However, VDR knockdown in RCC cells had the opposite effect. The RNA-sequence assay, which was assessed in caki-1 cells after VDR overexpression and knockdown, also indicated that significantly differentially expressed genes were associated with cell apoptotic, differentiation, proliferation and migration. RT-PCR and western blot analysis showed that VDR knockdown increased TRPV5 expression and VDR overexpression decreased TRPV5 expression in caki-1 cells. Furthermore, knockdown of TRPV5 expression suppressed the VDR knockdown-induced change in the proliferation, migration and invasion in caki-1 cells. Taken together, these findings confirmed that VDR functions as a tumour suppressor in RCC cells and suppresses the proliferation, migration and invasion of RCC through regulating the expression of TRPV5.

Effects of ginger and its pungent constituents on transient receptor potential channels

Ginger extract is used as an analeptic in herbal medicine and has been reported to exert antioxidant effects. Transient receptor potential (TRP) canonical 5 (TRPC5), TRP cation channel, subfamily M, member 7 (TRPM7; melastatin 7), and TRP cation channel, subfamily A, member 1 (TRPA1; ankyrin 1) are non-selective cation channels that are modulated by reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) and subsequently control various cellular processes. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether ginger and its pungent constituents modulate these channels and exert antioxidant effects. It was found that TRPC5 and TRPA1 currents were modulated by ginger extract and by its pungent constituents, [6]-gingerol, zingerone and [6]-shogaol. In particular, [6]-shogaol markedly and dose-dependently inhibited TRPC5 currents with an IC50 of value of ~18.3 µM. Furthermore, the strong dose-dependent activation of TRPA1 currents by [6]-shogaol was abolished by A‑967079 (a selective TRPA1 inhibitor). However, ginger extract and its pungent constituents had no effect on TRPM7 currents. These results suggest the antioxidant effects of ginger extract and its pungent constituents are mediated through TRPC5 and TRPA1, and that [6]-shogaol is predominantly responsible for the regulation of TRPC5 and TRPA1 currents by ginger extract.

Lidocaine inhibits the invasion and migration of TRPV6-expressing cancer cells by TRPV6 downregulation

It is well known that local anesthetics have a broad spectrum of pharmacological actions, acting as nerve blocks, and treating pain and cardiac arrhythmias via blocking of the sodium channel. The use of local anesthetics could reduce the possibility of cancer metastasis and recurrence following surgical tumor excision. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of lidocaine upon the invasion and migration of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 6 (TRPV6)-expressing cancer cells. Human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells, prostatic cancer PC-3 cells and ovarian cancer ES-2 cells were treated with lidocaine. Cell viability was quantitatively determined by MTT assay. The migration of the cells was evaluated using the wound healing assay, and the invasion of the cells was assessed using a Transwell assay. Calcium (Ca2+) measurements were performed using a Fluo-3 AM fluorescence kit. The expression of TRPV6 mRNA and protein in the cells was determined by quantitative-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis, respectively. The results suggested that lidocaine inhibits the cell invasion and migration of MDA-MB-231, PC-3 and ES-2 cells at lower than clinical concentrations. The inhibitory effect of lidocaine on TRPV6-expressing cancer cells was associated with a reduced rate of calcium influx, and could occur partly as a result of the downregulation of TRPV6 expression. The use of appropriate local anesthetics may confer potential benefits in clinical practice for the treatment of patients with TRPV6-expressing cancer.

CRAC channels, calcium, and cancer in light of the driver and passenger concept

Advances in next-generation sequencing allow very comprehensive analyses of large numbers of cancer genomes leading to an increasingly better characterization and classification of cancers. Comparing genomic data predicts candidate genes driving development, growth, or metastasis of cancer. Cancer driver genes are defined as genes whose mutations are causally implicated in oncogenesis whereas passenger mutations are defined as not being oncogenic. Currently, a list of several hundred cancer driver mutations is discussed including prominent members like TP53, BRAF, NRAS, or NF1. According to the vast literature on Ca(2+) and cancer, Ca(2+) signals and the underlying Ca(2+) channels and transporters certainly influence the development, growth, and metastasis of many cancers. In this review, I focus on the calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel genes STIM and Orai and their role for cancer development, growth, and metastasis. STIM and Orai genes are being discussed in the context of current cancer concepts with a focus on the driver-passenger hypothesis. One result of this discussion is the hypothesis that a driver analysis of Ca(2+) homeostasis-related genes should not be carried out by looking at isolated genes. Rather a pool of “Ca(2+) genes” might be considered to act as one potential cancer driver. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Calcium and Cell Fate. Guest Editors: Jacques Haiech, Claus Heizmann, Joachim Krebs, Thierry Capiod and Olivier Mignen.

Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels in T cells

The transient receptor potential (TRP) family of ion channels is widely expressed in many cell types and plays various physiological roles. Growing evidence suggests that certain TRP channels are functionally expressed in the immune system. Indeed, an increasing number of reports have demonstrated the functional expression of several TRP channels in innate and adaptive immune cells and have highlighted their critical role in the activation and function of these cells. However, very few reviews have been entirely dedicated to this subject. Here, we will summarize the recent findings with regards to TRP channel expression in T cells and discuss their emerging role as regulators of T cell activation and functions. Moreover, these studies suggest that beyond their pharmaceutical interest in pain management, certain TRP channels may represent potential novel therapeutic targets for various immune-related diseases.

TRPV6 channel modulates proliferation of insulin secreting INS-1E beta cell line

Transient receptor potential channel vanilloid type 6 (TRPV6) is a non-selective cation channel with high permeability for Ca²⁺ ions. So far, the role of TRPV6 in pancreatic beta cells is unknown. In the present study, we characterized the role of TRPV6 in controlling calcium signaling, cell proliferation as well as insulin expression, and secretion in experimental INS-1E beta cell model. TRPV6 protein production was downregulated using siRNA by approx. 70%, as detected by Western blot. Intracellular free Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]i) was measured by fluorescence Ca²⁺ imaging using fura-2. Calcineurin/NFAT signaling was analyzed using a NFAT reporter assay as well as a calcineurin activity assay. TRPV6 downregulation resulted in impaired cellular calcium influx. Its downregulation also reduced cell proliferation and decreased insulin mRNA expression. These changes were companied by the inhibition of the calcineurin/NFAT signaling. In contrast, insulin exocytosis was not affected by TRPV6 downregulation. In conclusion, this study demonstrates for the first time the expression of TRPV6 in INS-1E cells and rat pancreatic beta cells and describes its role in modulating calcium signaling, beta cell proliferation and insulin mRNA expression. In contrast, TRPV6 fails to influence insulin secretion.

Tweeters, Woofers and Horns: The Complex Orchestration of Calcium Currents in T Lymphocytes

Elevation of intracellular calcium ion (Ca²⁺) levels is a vital event that regulates T lymphocyte homeostasis, activation, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The mechanisms that regulate intracellular Ca²⁺ signaling in lymphocytes involve tightly controlled concinnity of multiple ion channels, membrane receptors, and signaling molecules. T cell receptor (TCR) engagement results in depletion of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca²⁺ stores and subsequent sustained influx of extracellular Ca²⁺ through Ca²⁺ release-activated Ca²⁺ (CRAC) channels in the plasma membrane. This process termed store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) involves the ER Ca²⁺ sensing molecule, STIM1, and a pore-forming plasma membrane protein, ORAI1. However, several other important Ca²⁺ channels that are instrumental in T cell function also exist. In this review, we discuss the role of additional Ca²⁺ channel families expressed on the plasma membrane of T cells that likely contribute to Ca²⁺ influx following TCR engagement, which include the TRP channels, the NMDA receptors, the P2X receptors, and the IP₃ receptors, with a focus on the voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ (Ca_V) channels.

Expression and prognostic roles of TRPV5 and TRPV6 in non-small cell lung cancer after curative resection

PURPOSE

We investigated the expression of epithelial Ca2+ channel transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) 5 and 6 in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and assessed their prognostic role in patients after surgical resection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2008 to January 2009, 145 patients who had undergone surgical resection of NSCLCs were enrolled in the study. Patient clinical characteristics were retrospectively reviewed. Fresh tumor samples as well as peritumor tissues were analyzed for TRPV5/6 expression using immune-histochemistry (IHC) and quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Patients were grouped based on their TRPV5 and TRPV6 levels in the tumor tissues, followed up after surgery, and statistically analyzed to examine the prognostic roles of TRPV5 and TRPV6 on patients' survival after surgical resection of NSCLCs.

RESULTS

Using IHC, among the 145 patients who had undergone surgical resection of NSCLCs, strong protein expression (grade ≥ 2) of TRPV5 and TRPV6 was observed in a lower percentage of primary tumor tissues than in non-tumor tissues of same patients. Similar findings were obtained with the RT-PCR test for mRNA levels. Decreased overall mRNA levels of TRPV5 and TRPV6 were associated with a worse overall survival rate (p=0.004 and p=0.003 respectively) and shorter recurrence-free survival (p?0.001 and p?0.001 respectively). The combining effect of TRPV5 and TRPV6 on survival was further investigated using multivariate analysis. The results showed that a combination of low expression of TRPV5 and TRPV6 could be an independent predictor of poor recurrence-free survival (p=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased expression of TRPV5/6 in tumor tissues was observed in NSCLC patients and was associated with shorter median survival time after surgical resection. Combined expression of TRPV5 and TRPV6 in tumor tissues demonstrated promising prognostic value in NSCLC patients.

First evidence of TRPV5 and TRPV6 channels in human parathyroid glands: possible involvement in neoplastic transformation

The parathyroid glands play an overall regulatory role in the systemic calcium (Ca²⁺) homeostasis. The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the presence of the Ca²⁺ channels transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) 5 and TRPV6 in human parathyroid glands. Semi-quantitative and quantitative PCR was carried out to evaluate the presence of TRPV5 and TRPV6 mRNAs in sporadic parathyroid adenomas and normal parathyroid glands. Western blot and immunocytochemical assays were used to assess protein expression, cellular localization and time expression in primary cultures from human parathyroid adenoma. TRPV5 and TRPV6 transcripts were then identified both in normal and pathological tissues. Predominant immunoreactive bands were detected at 75–80 kD for both vanilloid channels. These channels co-localized with the calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) on the membrane surface, but immunoreactivity was also detected in the cytosol and around the nuclei. Our data showed that western blotting recorded an increase of protein expression of both channels in adenoma samples compared with normal glands suggesting a potential relation with the cell calcium signalling pathway and the pathological processes of these glands.

The Pathophysiologic Roles of TRPM7 Channel

Transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) is a member of the melastatin-related subfamily and contains a channel and a kinase domain. TRPM7 is known to be associated with cell proliferation, survival, and development. It is ubiquitously expressed, highly permeable to Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺, and its channel activity is negatively regulated by free Mg²⁺ and Mg-complexed nucleotides. Recent studies have investigated the relationships between TRPM7 and a number of diseases. TRPM7 regulates cell proliferation in several cancers, and is associated with ischemic cell death and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) function. This review discusses the physiologic and pathophysiologic functions and significance of TRPM7 in several diseases.

The neglected CRAC proteins: Orai2, Orai3, and STIM2

Plasma-membrane-localized Orai1 ion channel subunits interacting with ER-localized STIM1 molecules comprise the major subunit composition responsible for calcium release-activated calcium channels. STIM1 "translates" the Ca(2+) store content into Orai1 activity, making it a store-operated channel. Surprisingly, in addition to being the physical activator, STIM1 also modulates Orai1 properties, including its inactivation and permeation (see Chapter 1). STIM1 is thus more than a pure Orai1 activator. Within the past 7 years following the discovery of STIM and Orai proteins, the molecular mechanisms of STIM1/Orai1 activity and their functional importance have been studied in great detail. Much less is currently known about the other isoforms STIM2, Orai2, and Orai3. In this chapter, we summarize the current knowledge about STIM2, Orai2, and Orai3 properties and function. Are these homologues mainly modulators of predominantly STIM1/Orai1-mediated complexes or do store-dependent or -independent functions such as regulation of basal Ca(2+) concentration and activation of Orai3-containing complexes by arachidonic acid or by estrogen receptors point toward their "true" physiological function? Is Orai2 the Orai1 of neurons? A major focus of the review is on the functional relevance of STIM2, Orai2, and Orai3, some of which still remains speculative.

TRPV6 channels

TRPV6 (former synonyms ECAC2, CaT1, CaT-like) displays several specific features which makes it unique among the members of the mammalian Trp gene family (1) TRPV6 (and its closest relative, TRPV5) are the only highly Ca(2+)-selective channels of the entire TRP superfamily (Peng et al. 1999; Wissenbach et al. 2001; Voets et al. 2004). (2) Translation of Trpv6 initiates at a non-AUG codon, at ACG, located upstream of the annotated AUG, which is not used for initiation (Fecher-Trost et al. 2013). The ACG codon is nevertheless decoded by methionine. Not only a very rare event in eukaryotic biology, the full-length TRPV6 protein existing in vivo comprises an amino terminus extended by 40 amino acid residues compared to the annotated truncated TRPV6 protein which has been used in most studies on TRPV6 channel activity so far. (In the following numbering occurs according to this full-length protein, with the numbers of the so far annotated truncated protein in brackets). (3) Only in humans a coupled polymorphism of Trpv6 exists causing three amino acid exchanges and resulting in an ancestral Trpv6 haplotype and a so-called derived Trpv6 haplotype (Wissenbach et al. 2001). The ancestral allele encodes the amino acid residues C197(157), M418(378) and M721(681) and the derived alleles R197(157), V418(378) and T721(681). The ancestral haplotype is found in all species, the derived Trpv6 haplotype has only been identified in humans, and its frequency increases with the distance to the African continent. Apparently the Trpv6 gene has been a strong target for selection in humans, and its derived variant is one of the few examples showing consistently differences to the orthologues genes of other primates (Akey et al. 2004, 2006; Stajich and Hahn 2005; Hughes et al. 2008). (4) The Trpv6 gene expression is significantly upregulated in several human malignancies including the most common cancers, prostate and breast cancer (Wissenbach et al. 2001; Zhuang et al. 2002; Fixemer et al. 2003; Bolanz et al. 2008). (5) Male mice lacking functional TRPV6 channels are hypo-/infertile making TRPV6 one of the very few channels essential for male fertility (Weissgerber et al. 2011, 2012).

Weft, warp, and weave: the intricate tapestry of calcium channels regulating T lymphocyte function

Calcium (Ca(2+)) is a universal second messenger important for T lymphocyte homeostasis, activation, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The events surrounding Ca(2+) mobilization in lymphocytes are tightly regulated and involve the coordination of diverse ion channels, membrane receptors, and signaling molecules. A mechanism termed store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE), causes depletion of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca(2+) stores following T cell receptor (TCR) engagement and triggers a sustained influx of extracellular Ca(2+) through Ca(2+) release-activated Ca(2+) (CRAC) channels in the plasma membrane. The ER Ca(2+) sensing molecule, stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), and a pore-forming plasma membrane protein, ORAI1, have been identified as important mediators of SOCE. Here, we review the role of several additional families of Ca(2+) channels expressed on the plasma membrane of T cells that likely contribute to Ca(2+) influx following TCR engagement, particularly highlighting an important role for voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels (CaV) in T lymphocyte biology.

In vivo detection of human TRPV6-rich tumors with anti-cancer peptides derived from soricidin

Soricidin is a 54-amino acid peptide found in the paralytic venom of the northern short-tailed shrew (Blarina brevicauda) and has been found to inhibit the transient receptor potential of vallinoid type 6 (TRPV6) calcium channels. We report that two shorter peptides, SOR-C13 and SOR-C27, derived from the C-terminus of soricidin, are high-affinity antagonists of human TRPV6 channels that are up-regulated in a number of cancers. Herein, we report molecular imaging methods that demonstrate the in vivo diagnostic potential of SOR-C13 and SOR-C27 to target tumor sites in mice bearing ovarian or prostate tumors. Our results suggest that these novel peptides may provide an avenue to deliver diagnostic and therapeutic reagents directly to TRPV6-rich tumors and, as such, have potential applications for a range of carcinomas including ovarian, breast, thyroid, prostate and colon, as well as certain leukemia's and lymphomas.

Calcium, cancer and killing: the role of calcium in killing cancer cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells

Killing cancer cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and by natural killer (NK) cells is of vital importance. Cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis depend on the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration, and the expression of numerous ion channels with the ability to control intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations has been correlated with cancer. A rise of intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations is also required for efficient CTL and NK cell function and thus for killing their targets, in this case cancer cells. Here, we review the data on Ca(2+)-dependent killing of cancer cells by CTL and NK cells. In addition, we discuss emerging ideas and present a model how Ca(2+) may be used by CTL and NK cells to optimize their cancer cell killing efficiency. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: 12th European Symposium on Calcium.

Inhibition of the human epithelial calcium channel TRPV6 by 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB)

TRPV6, a highly calcium-selective member of the transient receptor potential (TRP) channel superfamily, is a major pathway for calcium absorption in the fetal and adult body. It is expressed abundantly in the duodenum, the placenta and exocrine tissues. TRVP6 was postulated to contribute to store-operated calcium channel (SOC) activity in certain cell types such as exocrine cells. In this study, we tested 2-APB, a widely used SOC inhibitor on human TRPV6 (hTRPV6) activity using fluorescence imaging, patch clamp and radioactive tracer techniques in transiently and stably transfected HEK293 cells. We found that the basal calcium and cadmium influx was higher in HEK293 cells transfected with hTRPV6 than in non-transfected cells. 2-APB inhibited hTRPV6 activity in both transient and stably transfected cells. This effect was slightly sensitive toward extracellular calcium. The extracellular sodium concentration did not affect the inhibition of hTRPV6 by 2-APB. However, N-methyl-d-glucamine significantly diminished the inhibitory effect of 2-APB presumably through direct interaction with this compound. Furthermore, 2-APB inhibited the activity of TRPV6 orthologs but not human TRPV5. 2-APB may serve as a parental compound for the development of therapeutic strategies specifically targeting the hTRPV6 calcium channel.

The role of the TRPV6 channel in cancer

Abstract  The TRPV6 channel belongs to the superfamily of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, subfamily vanilloid, member 6. Its expression in health is mainly confined to epithelial tissue of different organs such as digestive tract, kidney, testis, ovaries and skin. Due to its high calcium selectivity over other TRP channels, this channel was shown to participate in close regulation of calcium homeostasis in the body. In cancer a number of pieces of evidence demonstrate its upregulation and correlation with the advanced stages in prostate, colon, breast, thyroid, and ovarian carcinomas. Little is known about its role in initiation or progression for most of cancers, though in prostate cancer its oncogenic potential in vitro has been suggested. The most probable mechanisms involve calcium signalling in the control of processes such as proliferation and apoptosis resistance, though in some cases first evidence was reported as to its likely protective role in some cancers such as colon cancer. Further studies are needed to confirm whether this channel does really have an oncogenic potential or is just the last hope for transformed cells/tissues to stop cancer.

Decreased expression of the epithelial Ca2+ channel TRPV5 and TRPV6 in human renal cell carcinoma associated with vitamin D receptor

PURPOSE

We investigated the expression of epithelial Ca(2+) channel TRPV (transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily) 5 and 6, and vitamin D receptor in primary human renal cell carcinoma and benign peritumor tissues, and assessed the possible association between TRPV5/6 and vitamin D receptor expression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fresh-frozen primary tumor and peritumor tissues from 27 patients diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma were analyzed for TRPV5/6 and vitamin D receptor expression by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction revealed that TRPV5/6 and vitamin D receptor expression was decreased 38.11, 4.44 and 3.20 times in renal cell carcinoma vs normal kidney tissue (p = 0.012, 0.002 and 0.020, respectively). Relatively higher expression was noted for chromophobe renal cell carcinoma than for the other renal cell carcinoma subtypes. Vitamin D receptor mRNA expression significantly correlated with that of TRPV6 (r = 0.508, p = 0.007) and TRPV5 (r = 0.697, p = 0.032) in renal cell carcinoma. Western blot showed results similar to those of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Different expression was detected between kidney and renal cell carcinoma tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis verified strong detection of TRPV5/6 and vitamin D receptor in distal nephrons but demonstrated weak or no immunostaining much more often in renal cell carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased TRPV5/V6 expression was noted in renal cell carcinoma, which correlated with vitamin D receptor. Different expression was also detected among the different renal cell carcinoma histopathological subtypes. Our observations suggest that altered vitamin D receptor expression may be associated with renal cell carcinoma carcinogenesis via TRPV5/6.

TRPV channels in tumor growth and progression

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels affect several physiological and pathological processes. In particular, TRP channels have been recently involved in the triggering of enhanced proliferation, aberrant differentiation, and resistance to apoptotic cell death leading to the uncontrolled tumor invasion. About thirty TRPs have been identified to date, and are classified in seven different families: TRPC (Canonical), TRPV (Vanilloid), TRPM (Melastatin), TRPML (Mucolipin), TRPP (Polycystin), and TRPA (Ankyrin transmembrane protein) and TRPN (NomPC-like). Among these channel families, the TRPC, TRPM, and TRPV families have been mainly correlated with malignant growth and progression. The aim of this review is to summarize data reported so far on the expression and the functional role of TRPV channels during cancer growth and progression. TRPV channels have been found to regulate cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, migration and invasion during tumor progression, and depending on the stage of the cancer, up- and down-regulation of TRPV mRNA and protein expression have been reported. These changes may have cancer promoting effects by increasing the expression of constitutively active TRPV channels in the plasma membrane of cancer cells by enhancing Ca(2+)-dependent proliferative response; in addition, an altered expression of TRPV channels may also offer a survival advantage, such as resistance of cancer cells to apoptotic-induced cell death. However, recently, a role of TRPV gene mutations in cancer development, and a relationship between the expression of specific TRPV gene single nucleotide polymorphisms and increased cancer risk have been reported. We are only at the beginning, a more deep studies on the physiopathology role of TRPV channels are required to understand the functional activity of these channels in cancer, to assess which TRPV proteins are associated with the development and progression of cancer and to develop further knowledge of TRPV proteins as valuable diagnostic and/or prognostic markers, as well as targets for pharmaceutical intervention and targeting in cancer.

The TRPV4 channel is a novel regulator of intracellular Ca2+ in human esophageal epithelial cells

The esophageal epithelium has sensory properties that enable it to sustain normal barrier function. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a Ca(2+)-permeable channel that is activated by extracellular hypotonicity, polyunsaturated fatty acids, phorbol esters, and elevated temperature. We found that TRPV4 is expressed in both human esophageal tissue and in HET-1A cells, a human esophageal epithelial cell line. Specific activation of TRPV4 by the phorbol ester 4α-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (4α-PDD) increased intracellular Ca(2+) in a subset of HET-1A cells. Elevated temperature strongly potentiated this effect at low concentrations of 4α-PDD, and all of the responses were inhibited by the TRPV antagonist ruthenium red. TRPV4 activation differentially affected cell proliferation and cell viability; HET-1A cell proliferation was increased by 1 μM 4α-PDD, whereas higher concentrations (10 μM and 30 μM) significantly decreased cell viability. Transient TRPV4 activation triggered ATP release in a concentration-dependent manner via gap-junction hemichannels, including pannexin 1 and connexin 43. Furthermore, TRPV4 activation for 24 h did not increase the production of interleukin 8 (IL-8) but reduced IL-1β-induced IL-8 production. Small-interference RNA targeted to TRPV4 significantly attenuated all of the 4α-PDD-induced responses in HET-1A cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that TRPV4 is a novel regulator of Ca(2+)-dependent signaling pathways linked to cell proliferation, cell survival, ATP release, and IL-8 production in human esophageal epithelial cells.

Activation of cloned BK(Ca) channels in nitric oxide-induced apoptosis of HEK293 cells

The large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK(Ca)) channels are highly expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and play an essential role in the regulation of various physiological functions. Besides its electrophysiological function in vascular relaxation, BK(Ca) has also been reported to be implicated in nitric oxide (NO)-induced apoptosis of VSMCs. However, the molecular mechanism is not clear and has not been determined on cloned channels. The present study was designed to clarify whether activation of cloned BK(Ca) channel was involved in NO-induced apoptosis in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cell. The cDNA encoding the alpha-subunit of BK(Ca) channel, hSloalpha, was transiently transfected into HEK293 cells. The apoptotic death in HEK-hSloalpha cells was detected using immunocytochemistry, analysis of fragmented DNA by agarose gel electrophoresis, MTT test, and flow cytometry assays. Whole-cell and single-channel characteristics of HEK-hSloalpha cells exhibited functional features similar to native BK(Ca) channel in VSMCs. Exposuring of HEK- hSloalpha cells to S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine increased the hSloalpha channel activities of whole-cell and single-channel, and then increased percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis. However, blocking hSloalpha channels with 1 mM tetraethylammonia or 100 nM iberiotoxin significantly decreased the NO-induced apoptosis, whereas 30 microM NS1619, the specific agonist of BK(Ca), independently increased hSloalpha currents and induced apoptosis. These results indicated that activation of cloned BK(Ca) channel was involved in NO-induced apoptosis of HEK293 cells.

Tamoxifen inhibits TRPV6 activity via estrogen receptor-independent pathways in TRPV6-expressing MCF-7 breast cancer cells

The epithelial calcium channel TRPV6 is upregulated in breast carcinoma compared with normal mammary gland tissue. The selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen is widely used in breast cancer therapy. Previously, we showed that tamoxifen inhibits calcium uptake in TRPV6-transfected Xenopus oocytes. In this study, we examined the effect of tamoxifen on TRPV6 function and intracellular calcium homeostasis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells transiently transfected with EYFP-C1-TRPV6. TRPV6 activity was measured with fluorescence microscopy using Fura-2. The basal calcium level was higher in transfected cells compared with nontransfected cells in calcium-containing solution but not in nominally calcium-free buffer. Basal influxes of calcium and barium were also increased. In transfected cells, 10 mumol/L tamoxifen reduced the basal intracellular calcium concentration to the basal calcium level of nontransfected cells. Tamoxifen decreased the transport rates of calcium and barium in transfected cells by 50%. This inhibitory effect was not blocked by the estrogen receptor antagonist, ICI 182,720. Similarly, a tamoxifen-induced inhibitory effect was also observed in MDA-MB-231 estrogen receptor-negative cells. The effect of tamoxifen was completely blocked by activation of protein kinase C. Inhibiting protein kinase C with calphostin C decreased TRPV6 activity but did not alter the effect of tamoxifen. These findings illustrate how tamoxifen might be effective in estrogen receptor-negative breast carcinomas and suggest that the therapeutic effect of tamoxifen and protein kinase C inhibitors used in breast cancer therapy might involve TRPV6-mediated calcium entry. This study highlights a possible role of TRPV6 as therapeutic target in breast cancer therapy.

TRPV6 alleles do not influence prostate cancer progression

Background

The transient receptor potential, subfamily V, member 6 (TRPV6) is a Ca²⁺ selective cation channel. Several studies have shown that TRPV6 transcripts are expressed in locally advanced prostatic adenocarcinoma, metastatic and androgen-insensitive prostatic lesions but are undetectable in healthy prostate tissue and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Two allelic variants of the human trpv6 gene have been identified which are transcribed into two independent mRNAs, TRPV6a and TRPV6b. We now asked, whether the trpv6a allele is correlated with the onset of prostate cancer, with the Gleason score and the tumour stage.

Methods

Genomic DNA of prostate cancer patients and control individuals was isolated from resections of prostatic adenocarcinomas and salivary fluid respectively. Genotyping of SNPs of the TRPV6 gene was performed by restriction length polymorphism or by sequencing analysis. RNA used for RT-PCR was isolated from prostate tissue. Data sets were analyzed by Chi-Square test.

Results

We first characterized in detail the five polymorphisms present in the protein coding exons of the trpv6 gene and show that these polymorphisms are coupled and are underlying the TRPV6a and the TRPV6b variants. Next we analysed the frequencies of the two TRPV6 alleles using genomic DNA from saliva samples of 169 healthy individuals. The homozygous TRPV6b genotype predominated with 86%, whereas no homozygous TRPV6a carriers could be identified. The International HapMap Project identified a similar frequency for an Utah based population whereas in an African population the a-genotype prevailed. The incidence of prostate cancer is several times higher in African populations than in non-African and we then investigated the TRPV6a/b frequencies in 141 samples of prostatic adenocarcinoma. The TRPV6b allele was found in 87% of the samples without correlation with Gleason score and tumour stage.

Conclusion

Our results show that the frequencies of trpv6 alleles in healthy control individuals and prostate cancer patients are not significantly different. Although expression of trpv6 transcripts correlates with aggressive potential of prostate cancer, the TRPV6 genotype does not correlate with the onset of prostate cancer, with the Gleason score and the tumour stage.