TRPM7 regulates the migration of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell by mediating Ca2+ influx

Calcium channels as therapeutic targets in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: current evidence and clinical trials

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) originates from the mucosal epithelium of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx, and is marked by high rates of recurrence and metastasis. Calcium signaling is associated with the progression of HNSCC and the development of drug resistance. Changes in calcium ion flow can trigger severe pathophysiological processes, including malignant transformation, tumor proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and apoptosis evasion. Calcium channels regulate and facilitate these processes. Remodeling of calcium signaling has become one of the most prevalent adaptive mechanisms in cancer cells. Preclinical and clinical evidence indicates that alterations in calcium signaling are crucial for the progression of HNSCC. This review examines the role of calcium channels in HNSCC development and evaluates current clinical trials targeting these channels to assess the feasibility of calcium signaling-based therapies for HNSCC.

Hypoxia-induced TRPM7 promotes glycolytic metabolism and progression in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hypoxia disrupts glucose metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily M, member 7 (TRPM7) plays an ontogenetic role. Thus, we aimed to explore the regulation of TRPM7 by hypoxia-induced factor (HIF) and its underlying mechanisms in HCC.

METHODS

hypoxia was induced in multiple HCC cells using 1% O2 or CoCl2 treatment, and subsequently blocked using siRNAs targeting HIF-1α or HIF-2α as well as a HIF-1α protein synthesis inhibitor. The levels of HIF-1α and TRPM7 were assessed using quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blot analysis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase assays were performed to observe the regulation of TRPM7 promoter regions by HIF-1α. A PCR array was utilized to screen glucose metabolism-related enzymes in HEK293 cells overexpressing TRPM7 induced by tetracycline, and then verified in TRPM7-overexpressed huh7 cells. Finally, CCK-8, transwell, scratch and tumor formation experiments in nude mice were conducted to examine the effect of TRPM7 on proliferation and metastasis in HCC.

RESULTS

Exposure to hypoxia led to increase the levels of TRPM7 and HIF-1α in HCC cells, which were inhibited by HIF-1α siRNA or enhanced by HIF-1α overexpression. HIF-1α directly bound to two hypoxia response elements (HREs) in the TRPM7 promoter. Several glycolytic metabolism-related enzymes, were simultaneously upregulated in HEK293 and huh7 cells overexpressing TRPM7 during hypoxia. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that TRPM7 promoted the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

TRPM7 was directly transcriptionally regulated by HIF-1α, leading to glycolytic metabolic reprogramming and the promotion of HCC proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Our findings suggest that TRPM7 might be a potential diagnostic indicator and therapeutic target for HCC.

The Role of TRPM7 in Oncogenesis

This review summarizes the current understanding of the role of transient receptor potential melastatin-subfamily member 7 (TRPM7) channels in the pathophysiology of neoplastic diseases. The TRPM family represents the largest and most diverse group in the TRP superfamily. Its subtypes are expressed in virtually all human organs playing a central role in (patho)physiological events. The TRPM7 protein (along with TRPM2 and TRPM6) is unique in that it has kinase activity in addition to the channel function. Numerous studies demonstrate the role of TRPM7 chanzyme in tumorigenesis and in other tumor hallmarks such as proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis. Here we provide an up-to-date overview about the possible role of TRMP7 in a broad range of malignancies such as tumors of the nervous system, head and neck cancers, malignant neoplasms of the upper gastrointestinal tract, colorectal carcinoma, lung cancer, neoplasms of the urinary system, breast cancer, malignant tumors of the female reproductive organs, prostate cancer and other neoplastic pathologies. Experimental data show that the increased expression and/or function of TRPM7 are observed in most malignant tumor types. Thus, TRPM7 chanzyme may be a promising target in tumor therapy.

On the modulation of TRPM channels: Current perspectives and anticancer therapeutic implications

The transient melastatin receptor potential (TRPM) ion channel subfamily functions as cellular sensors and transducers of critical biological signal pathways by regulating ion homeostasis. Some members of TRPM have been cloned from cancerous tissues, and their abnormal expressions in various solid malignancies have been correlated with cancer cell growth, survival, or death. Recent evidence also highlights the mechanisms underlying the role of TRPMs in tumor epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), autophagy, and cancer metabolic reprogramming. These implications support TRPM channels as potential molecular targets and their modulation as an innovative therapeutic approach against cancer. Here, we discuss the general characteristics of the different TRPMs, focusing on current knowledge about the connection between TRPM channels and critical features of cancer. We also cover TRPM modulators used as pharmaceutical tools in biological trials and an indication of the only clinical trial with a TRPM modulator about cancer. To conclude, the authors describe the prospects for TRPM channels in oncology.

A pan-cancer-bioinformatic-based literature review of TRPM7 in cancers

TRPM7, a divalent cation-selective channel with kinase domains, has been widely reported to potentially affect cancers. In this study, we conducted multiple bioinformatic analyses based on open databases and reviewed articles that provided evidence for the effects of TRPM7 on cancers. The purposes of this paper are 1) to provide a pan-cancer overview of TRPM7 in cancers; 2) to summarize evidence of TRPM7 effects on cancers; 3) to identify potential future studies of TRPM7 in cancer. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that no cancer-related TRPM7 mutation was found. TRPM7 is aberrantly expressed in most cancer types but the cancer-noncancer expression pattern varies across cancer types. TRPM7 was not associated with survival, TMB, or cancer stemness in most cancer types. TRPM7 affected drug sensitivity and tumor immunity in some cancer types. The in vitro evidence, preclinical in vivo evidence, and clinical evidence for TRPM7 effects on cancers as well as TRPM7 kinase substrate and TRPM7-targeting drugs associated with cancers were summarized to facilitate comparison. We matched the bioinformatics evidence to literature evidence, thereby unveiling potential avenues for future investigation of TRPM7 in cancers. We believe that this paper will help orient research toward important and relevant aspects of the role of TRPM7 in cancers.

The interplay between physical cues and mechanosensitive ion channels in cancer metastasis

Physical cues have emerged as critical influencers of cell function during physiological processes, like development and organogenesis, and throughout pathological abnormalities, including cancer progression and fibrosis. While ion channels have been implicated in maintaining cellular homeostasis, their cell surface localization often places them among the first few molecules to sense external cues. Mechanosensitive ion channels (MICs) are especially important transducers of physical stimuli into biochemical signals. In this review, we describe how physical cues in the tumor microenvironment are sensed by MICs and contribute to cancer metastasis. First, we highlight mechanical perturbations, by both solid and fluid surroundings typically found in the tumor microenvironment and during critical stages of cancer cell dissemination from the primary tumor. Next, we describe how Piezo1/2 and transient receptor potential (TRP) channels respond to these physical cues to regulate cancer cell behavior during different stages of metastasis. We conclude by proposing alternative mechanisms of MIC activation that work in tandem with cytoskeletal components and other ion channels to bestow cells with the capacity to sense, respond and navigate through the surrounding microenvironment. Collectively, this review provides a perspective for devising treatment strategies against cancer by targeting MICs that sense aberrant physical characteristics during metastasis, the most lethal aspect of cancer.

The regulatory and modulatory roles of TRP family channels in malignant tumors and relevant therapeutic strategies

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are one primary type of calcium (Ca²⁺) permeable channels, and those relevant transmembrane and intracellular TRP channels were previously thought to be mainly associated with the regulation of cardiovascular and neuronal systems. Nowadays, however, accumulating evidence shows that those TRP channels are also responsible for tumorigenesis and progression, inducing tumor invasion and metastasis. However, the overall underlying mechanisms and possible signaling transduction pathways that TRP channels in malignant tumors might still remain elusive. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the linkage between TRP channels and the significant characteristics of tumors such as multi-drug resistance (MDR), metastasis, apoptosis, proliferation, immune surveillance evasion, and the alterations of relevant tumor micro-environment. Moreover, we also have discussed the expression of relevant TRP channels in various forms of cancer and the relevant inhibitors' efficacy. The chemo-sensitivity of the anti-cancer drugs of various acting mechanisms and the potential clinical applications are also presented. Furthermore, it would be enlightening to provide possible novel therapeutic approaches to counteract malignant tumors regarding the intervention of calcium channels of this type.

Ryanodine receptor calcium release channels in trophoblasts and their role in cell migration

Trophoblasts are specialized epithelial cells of the placenta that are involved in invasion, communication and the exchange of materials between the mother and fetus. Cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_c) plays critical roles in regulating such processes in other cell types, but relatively little is known about the mechanisms that control this second messenger in trophoblasts. In the current study, the presence of RyRs and their accessory proteins in placental tissues and in the BeWo choriocarcinoma, a model trophoblast cell-line, were examined using immunohistochemistry and Western immunoblotting. Contributions of RyRs to Ca²⁺ signalling and to random migration in BeWo cells were investigated using fura-2 fluorescent and brightfield videomicroscopy. The effect of RyR inhibition on reorganization of the F-actin cytoskeleton elicited by the hormone angiotensin II, was determined using phalloidin-labelling and confocal microscopy. RyR1 and RyR3 proteins were detected in trophoblasts of human first trimester and term placental villi, along with the accessory proteins triadin and calsequestrin. Similarly, RyR1, RyR3, triadin and calsequestrin were detected in BeWo cells. In this cell-line, activation of RyRs with micromolar ryanodine increased [Ca²⁺]_c, whereas pharmacological inhibition of these channels reduced Ca²⁺ transients elicited by the peptide hormones angiotensin II, arginine vasopressin and endothelin 1. Angiotensin II increased the velocity, total distance and Euclidean distance of random migration by BeWo cells and these effects were significantly reduced by tetracaine and by inhibitory concentrations of ryanodine. RyRs contribute to reorganization of the F-actin cytoskeleton elicited by angiotensin II, since inhibition of these channels restores the parallelness of these structures to control levels. These findings demonstrate that trophoblasts contain a suite of proteins similar to those in other cell types possessing highly developed Ca²⁺ signal transduction systems, such as skeletal muscle. They also indicate that these channels regulate the migration of trophoblast cells, a process that plays a key role in development of the placenta.

Calcium Signalling in Medulloblastoma: An In Silico Analysis of the Expression of Calcium Regulating Genes in Patient Samples

Dysregulation in calcium signalling is implicated in several cancer-associated processes, including cell proliferation, migration, invasion and therapy resistance. Modulators of specific calcium-regulating proteins have been proposed as promising future therapeutic agents for some cancers. Alterations in calcium signalling have been extensively studied in some cancers; however, this area of research is highly underexplored in medulloblastoma (MB), the most common paediatric malignant brain tumour. Current MB treatment modalities are not completely effective and can result in several long-lasting mental complications. Hence, new treatment strategies are needed. In this study, we sought to probe the landscape of calcium signalling regulators to uncover those most likely to be involved in MB tumours. We investigated the expression of calcium signalling regulator genes in MB patients using publicly available datasets. We stratified the expression level of these genes with MB molecular subgroups, tumour metastasis and patient survival to uncover correlations with clinical features. Of particular interest was CACNA1 genes, in which we were able to show a developmentally-driven change in expression within the cerebellum, MB's tissue of origin, highlighting a potential influence on tumour incidence. This study lays a platform for future investigations into molecular regulators of calcium signalling in MB formation and progression.

Xyloketal B: A marine compound with medicinal potential

In recent decades, technological advantages have allowed scientists to isolate medicinal compounds from marine organisms that exhibit unique structure and bioactivity. The mangrove fungus Xylaria sp. from the South China Sea is rich in metabolites and produces a potent therapeutic compound, xyloketal B. Since its isolation in 2001, xyloketal B has been extensively studied in a wide variety of cell types and in vitro and in vivo disease models. Xyloketal B and its derivatives exhibit cytoprotective effects in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases by reducing oxidative stress, regulating the apoptosis pathway, maintaining ionic balance, mitigating inflammatory responses, and preventing protein aggregation. Xyloketal B has also shown to alleviate lipid accumulation in a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease model. Moreover, xyloketal B treatment induces glioblastoma cell death. This review summarizes our current understanding of xyloketal B in various disease models.

Mutations in calmodulin-binding domains of TRPV4/6 channels confer invasive properties to colon adenocarcinoma cells

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels form a family of polymodal cation channels gated by thermal, mechanical, or chemical stimuli, with many of them involved in the control of proliferation, apoptosis, or cell cycle. From an evolutionary point of view, TRP family is characterized by high conservation of duplicated genes originating from whole-genome duplication at the onset of vertebrates. The conservation of such “ohnolog” genes is theoretically linked to an increased probability of generating phenotypes deleterious for the organism upon gene mutation. We aimed to test experimentally the hypothesis that TRP mutations, in particular gain-of-function, could be involved in the generation of deleterious phenotypes involved in cancer, such as gain of invasiveness. Indeed, a number of TRP channels have been linked to cancer progression, and exhibit changes in expression levels in various types of cancers. However, TRP mutations in cancer have been poorly documented. We focused on 2 TRPV family members, TRPV4 and TRPV6, and studied the effect of putative gain-of-function mutations on invasiveness properties. TRPV channels have a C-terminal calmodulin-binding domain (CaMBD) that has important functions for regulating protein function, through different mechanisms depending on the channel (channel inactivation/potentiation, cytoskeleton regulation). We studied the effect of mutations mimicking constitutive phosphorylation in TRPV4 and TRPV6 CaMBDs: TRPV4 S823D, S824D and T813D, TRPV6 S691D, S692D and T702. We found that most of these mutants induced a strong gain of invasiveness of colon adenocarcinoma SW480 cells, both for TRPV4 and TRPV6. While increased invasion with TRPV6 S692D and T702D mutants was correlated to increased mutant channel activity, it was not the case for TRPV4 mutants, suggesting different mechanisms with the same global effect of gain in deleterious phenotype. This highlights the potential importance to search for TRP mutations involved in cancer.

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.

Store Operated Calcium Entry in Cell Migration and Cancer Metastasis

Ca²⁺ signaling is ubiquitous in eukaryotic cells and modulates many cellular events including cell migration. Directional cell migration requires the polarization of both signaling and structural elements. This polarization is reflected in various Ca²⁺ signaling pathways that impinge on cell movement. In particular, store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) plays important roles in regulating cell movement at both the front and rear of migrating cells. SOCE represents a predominant Ca²⁺ influx pathway in non-excitable cells, which are the primary migrating cells in multicellular organisms. In this review, we summarize the role of Ca²⁺ signaling in cell migration with a focus on SOCE and its diverse functions in migrating cells and cancer metastasis. SOCE has been implicated in regulating focal adhesion turnover in a polarized fashion and the mechanisms involved are beginning to be elucidated. However, SOCE is also involved is other aspects of cell migration with a less well-defined mechanistic understanding. Therefore, much remains to be learned regarding the role and regulation of SOCE in migrating cells.

TRPM7 Kinase Is Essential for Neutrophil Recruitment and Function via Regulation of Akt/mTOR Signaling

During inflammation, neutrophils are one of the first responding cells of innate immunity, contributing to a fast clearance of infection and return to homeostasis. However, excessive neutrophil infiltration accelerates unsolicited disproportionate inflammation for instance in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The transient-receptor-potential channel-kinase TRPM7 is an essential regulator of immune system homeostasis. Naïve murine T cells with genetic inactivation of the TRPM7 enzyme, due to a point mutation at the active site, are unable to differentiate into pro-inflammatory T cells, whereas regulatory T cells develop normally. Moreover, TRPM7 is vital for lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced activation of murine macrophages. Within this study, we show that the channel-kinase TRPM7 is functionally expressed in neutrophils and has an important impact on neutrophil recruitment during inflammation. We find that human neutrophils cannot transmigrate along a CXCL8 chemokine gradient or produce reactive oxygen species in response to gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide LPS, if TRPM7 channel or kinase activity are blocked. Using a recently identified TRPM7 kinase inhibitor, TG100-115, as well as murine neutrophils with genetic ablation of the kinase activity, we confirm the importance of both TRPM7 channel and kinase function in murine neutrophil transmigration and unravel that TRPM7 kinase affects Akt1/mTOR signaling thereby regulating neutrophil transmigration and effector function. Hence, TRPM7 represents an interesting potential target to treat unwanted excessive neutrophil invasion.

m6A RNA hypermethylation-induced BACE2 boosts intracellular calcium release and accelerates tumorigenesis of ocular melanoma

Ocular melanoma, including uveal melanoma (UM) and conjunctival melanoma (CM), is the most common and deadly eye cancer in adults. Both UM and CM originate from melanocytes and exhibit an aggressive growth pattern with high rates of metastasis and mortality. The integral membrane glycoprotein beta-secretase 2 (BACE2), an enzyme that cleaves amyloid precursor protein into amyloid beta peptide, has been reported to play a vital role in vertebrate pigmentation and metastatic melanoma. However, the role of BACE2 in ocular melanoma remains unclear. In this study, we showed that BACE2 was significantly upregulated in ocular melanoma, and inhibition of BACE2 significantly impaired tumor progression both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, we identified that transmembrane protein 38B (TMEM38B), whose expression was highly dependent on BACE2, modulated calcium release from endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Inhibition of the BACE2/TMEM38B axis could trigger exhaustion of intracellular calcium release and inhibit tumor progression. We further demonstrated that BACE2 presented an increased level of N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) RNA methylation, which led to the upregulation of BACE2 mRNA. To our knowledge, this study provides a novel pattern of BACE2-mediated intracellular calcium release in ocular melanoma progression, and our findings suggest that m⁶A/BACE2/TMEM38b could be a potential therapeutic axis for ocular melanoma.

Serum Calcium Levels Before Antitumour Therapy Predict Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

PURPOSE

The prognostic value of serum calcium levels in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of serum calcium levels in patients with NPC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 2094 patients diagnosed with NPC between April 2009 and September 2012 were enrolled in this retrospective analysis. The median follow-up time was 96.3 months (range: 4.1-120.0 months). Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify significant and independent prognostic predictors of overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and relapse-free survival (RFS).

RESULTS

Overall, low serum calcium levels were detected in 1109/2094 (53.00%) patients and tended to be more frequently detected in older (P<0.001) and female (P=0.001) patients. Patients with low serum calcium levels had poorer OS (P=0.011), DFS (P=0.012) and DMFS (P=0.004) than those with high serum calcium levels, but serum calcium levels had no significant effect on RFS (P=0.376). In univariate and multivariable analyses, low serum calcium levels were a statistically significant and independent prognostic factor for OS, DFS, and DMFS but had no prognostic value for RFS.

CONCLUSION

Serum calcium levels can serve as a prognostic predictor and guide more individualized treatment for NPC patients.

The Role of Calcium Signaling in Regulation of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

Despite substantial advances in the field of cancer therapeutics, metastasis is a significant challenge for a favorable clinical outcome. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process of acquiring increased motility, invasiveness, and therapeutic resistance by cancer cells for their sustained growth and survival. A plethora of intrinsic mechanisms and extrinsic microenvironmental factors drive the process of cancer metastasis. Calcium (Ca2+) signaling plays a critical role in dictating the adaptive metastatic cell behavior comprising of cell migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and intravasation. By modulating EMT, Ca2+ signaling can regulate the complexity and dynamics of events leading to metastasis. This review summarizes the role of Ca2+ signal remodeling in the regulation of EMT and metastasis in cancer.

Emerging role of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in cancer progression

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels comprise a diverse family of ion channels, the majority of which are calcium permeable and show sophisticated regulatory patterns in response to various environmental cues. Early studies led to the recognition of TRP channels as environmental and chemical sensors. Later studies revealed that TRP channels mediated the regulation of intracellular calcium. Mutations in TRP channel genes result in abnormal regulation of TRP channel function or expression, and interfere with normal spatial and temporal patterns of intracellular local Ca2+ distribution. The resulting dysregulation of multiple downstream effectors, depending on Ca2+ homeostasis, is associated with hallmarks of cancer pathophysiology, including enhanced proliferation, survival and invasion of cancer cells. These findings indicate that TRP channels affect multiple events that control cellular fate and play a key role in cancer progression. This review discusses the accumulating evidence supporting the role of TRP channels in tumorigenesis, with emphasis on prostate cancer. [BMB Reports 2020; 53(3): 125-132].

Inhibition of TRPM7 with waixenicin A reduces glioblastoma cellular functions

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain tumour originating in the CNS. Median patient survival is <15 months with standard treatment which consists of surgery alongside radiation therapy and temozolomide chemotherapy. However, because of the aggressive nature of GBM, and the significant toxicity of these adjuvant therapies, long-term therapeutic effects are unsatisfactory. Thus, there is urgency to identify new drug targets for GBM. Recent evidence shows that the transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) cation channel is aberrantly upregulated in GBM and its inhibition leads to reduction of GBM cellular functions. This suggests that TRPM7 may be a potential drug target for GBM treatment. In this study, we assessed the effects of the specific TRPM7 antagonist waixenicin A on human GBM cell lines U87 or U251 both in vitro and in vivo. First, we demonstrated in vitro that application of waixenicin A reduced TRPM7 protein expression and inhibited the TRPM7-like currents in GBM cells. We also observed reduction of GBM cell viability, migration, and invasion. Using an intracranial xenograft GBM mouse model, we showed that with treatment of waixenicin A, there was increased cleaved caspase 3 activity, alongside reduction in Ki-67, cofilin, and Akt activity in vivo. Together, these data demonstrate higher GBM cell apoptosis, and lower proliferation, migration, invasion and survivability following treatment with waixenicin A.

Mapping TRPM7 Function by NS8593

The transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily M, member 7 (TRPM7) is a ubiquitously expressed membrane protein, which forms a channel linked to a cytosolic protein kinase. Genetic inactivation of TRPM7 in animal models uncovered the critical role of TRPM7 in early embryonic development, immune responses, and the organismal balance of Zn²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺. TRPM7 emerged as a new therapeutic target because malfunctions of TRPM7 have been associated with anoxic neuronal death, tissue fibrosis, tumour progression, and giant platelet disorder. Recently, several laboratories have identified pharmacological compounds allowing to modulate either channel or kinase activity of TRPM7. Among other small molecules, NS8593 has been defined as a potent negative gating regulator of the TRPM7 channel. Consequently, several groups applied NS8593 to investigate cellular pathways regulated by TRPM7. Here, we summarize the progress in this research area. In particular, two notable milestones have been reached in the assessment of TRPM7 druggability. Firstly, several laboratories demonstrated that NS8593 treatment reliably mirrors prominent phenotypes of cells manipulated by genetic inactivation of TRPM7. Secondly, it has been shown that NS8593 allows us to probe the therapeutic potential of TRPM7 in animal models of human diseases. Collectively, these studies employing NS8593 may serve as a blueprint for the preclinical assessment of TRPM7-targeting drugs.

pH-Channeling in Cancer: How pH-Dependence of Cation Channels Shapes Cancer Pathophysiology

Tissue acidosis plays a pivotal role in tumor progression: in particular, interstitial acidosis promotes tumor cell invasion, and is a major contributor to the dysregulation of tumor immunity and tumor stromal cells. The cell membrane and integral membrane proteins commonly act as important sensors and transducers of altered pH. Cell adhesion molecules and cation channels are prominent membrane proteins, the majority of which is regulated by protons. The pathophysiological consequences of proton-sensitive ion channel function in cancer, however, are scarcely considered in the literature. Thus, the main focus of this review is to highlight possible events in tumor progression and tumor immunity where the pH sensitivity of cation channels could be of great importance.

Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) Channels in Head-and-Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas: Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Potentials

Head-and-neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) remain a leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide. This is a largely preventable disease with smoking, alcohol abuse, and human papilloma virus (HPV) being the main risk factors. Yet, many patients are diagnosed with advanced disease, and no survival improvement has been seen for oral SCC in the past decade. Clearly, new diagnostic and prognostic markers are needed for early diagnosis and to guide therapy. Gene expression studies implied the involvement of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in the pathogenesis of HNSCC. TRPs are expressed in normal epithelium where they play a key role in proliferation and differentiation. There is increasing evidence that the expression of TRP channels may change in HNSCC with important implications for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. In this review, we propose that TRP channel expression may afford a novel opportunity for early diagnosis of HNSCC and targeted molecular treatment.

Targeting the Calcium Signalling Machinery in Cancer

Cancer is caused by excessive cell proliferation and a propensity to avoid cell death, while the spread of cancer is facilitated by enhanced cellular migration, invasion, and vascularization. Cytosolic Ca²⁺ is central to each of these important processes, yet to date, there are no cancer drugs currently being used clinically, and very few undergoing clinical trials, that target the Ca²⁺ signalling machinery. The aim of this review is to highlight some of the emerging evidence that targeting key components of the Ca²⁺ signalling machinery represents a novel and relatively untapped therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancer.

MiR-30e-5p inhibits the migration and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma via regulating the expression of MTA1

The study explored the effect of miR-30e-5p on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). MiR-30e-5p levels in NPC cancer and adjacent normal samples, in metastatic and non-metastatic cancer samples of NPC, and in NP69 cell and five NPC cell lines were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The relationship between miR-30e-5p and MTA1 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay, Western blot and qRT-PCR. The viability, migration and invasion of 5-8F and 6-10B cells were determined by CCK-8, scratch test and transwell assays, respectively. The levels of migration-related proteins (vimentin and Snail) and invasion-related proteins (MMP2 and MMP3) in NPC cells were detected by Western blot. The results showed that low expression of miR-30e-5p was associated with HNSC cancer, NPC, metastasis of NPC and NPC cell lines. Overexpressed miR-30e-5p in HNSC cancer and NPC was predictive of a better prognosis of patients. In addition, the viability, migration and invasion were reduced by up-regulating miR-30e-5p in 5-8F cells, but promoted by down-regulated miR-30e-5p in 6-10B cells. MiR-30e-5p reversed the migration and invasion of NPC cells regulated by MTA1, and inhibited migration and invasion of NPC cells via regulating MTA1 expression.

Cell volume regulation in cancer cell migration driven by osmotic water flow

Cancer metastasis is the most frequent cause of death for patients with cancer. The main current treatment for cancer metastasis is chemotherapy targeting cancer cells’ ability to proliferate. However, some types of cancer cells show resistance to chemotherapy. Recently, cancer cell migration has become the subject of interest as a novel target of cancer therapy. Cell migration requires many factors, such as the cytoskeleton, cell‐matrix adhesion and cell volume regulation. Here, we focus on cell volume regulation and the role of ion/water transport systems in cell migration. Transport proteins, such as ion channels, ion carriers, and aquaporins, are indispensable for cell volume regulation under steady‐state conditions and during exposure to osmotic stress. Studies from the last ~25 years have revealed that cell volume regulation also plays an important role in the process of cell migration. Water flow in accordance with localized osmotic gradients generated by ion transport contributes to the driving force for cell migration. Moreover, it has been reported that metastatic cancer cells have higher expression of these transport proteins than nonmetastatic cancer cells. Thus, ion/water transport proteins involved in cell volume regulation and cell migration could be novel therapeutic targets for cancer metastasis. In this review, after presenting the importance of ion/water transport systems in cell volume regulation, we discuss the roles of transport proteins in a pathophysiological context, especially in the context of cancer cell migration.

A TR(i)P to Cell Migration: New Roles of TRP Channels in Mechanotransduction and Cancer

Cell migration is a key process in cancer metastasis, allowing malignant cells to spread from the primary tumor to distant organs. At the molecular level, migration is the result of several coordinated events involving mechanical forces and cellular signaling, where the second messenger Ca²⁺ plays a pivotal role. Therefore, elucidating the regulation of intracellular Ca²⁺ levels is key for a complete understanding of the mechanisms controlling cellular migration. In this regard, understanding the function of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels, which are fundamental determinants of Ca²⁺ signaling, is critical to uncovering mechanisms of mechanotransduction during cell migration and, consequently, in pathologies closely linked to it, such as cancer. Here, we review recent studies on the association between TRP channels and migration-related mechanotransduction events, as well as in the involvement of TRP channels in the migration-dependent pathophysiological process of metastasis.

Mechanosensitive ion channels push cancer progression

In many cases, the mechanical properties of a tumor are different from those of the host tissue. Mechanical cues regulate cancer development by affecting both tumor cells and their microenvironment, by altering cell migration, proliferation, extracellular matrix remodeling and metastatic spread. Cancer cells sense mechanical stimuli such as tissue stiffness, shear stress, tissue pressure of the extracellular space (outside-in mechanosensation). These mechanical cues are transduced into a cellular response (e. g. cell migration and proliferation; inside-in mechanotransduction) or to a response affecting the microenvironment (e. g. inducing a fibrosis or building up growth-induced pressure; inside-out mechanotransduction). These processes heavily rely on mechanosensitive membrane proteins, prominently ion channels. Mechanosensitive ion channels are involved in the Ca²⁺-signaling of the tumor and stroma cells, both directly, by mediating Ca²⁺ influx (e. g. Piezo and TRP channels), or indirectly, by maintaining the electrochemical gradient necessary for Ca²⁺ influx (e. g. K_2P, K_Ca channels). This review aims to discuss the diverse roles of mechanosenstive ion channels in cancer progression, especially those involved in Ca²⁺-signaling, by pinpointing their functional relevance in tumor pathophysiology.

Revealing cellular and molecular transitions in neonatal germ cell differentiation using single cell RNA sequencing

Neonatal germ cell development provides the foundation of spermatogenesis. However, a systematic understanding of this process is still limited. To resolve cellular and molecular heterogeneity in this process, we profiled single cell transcriptomes of undifferentiated germ cells from neonatal mouse testes and employed unbiased clustering and pseudotime ordering analysis to assign cells to distinct cell states in the developmental continuum. We defined the unique transcriptional programs underlying migratory capacity, resting cellular states and apoptosis regulation in transitional gonocytes. We also identified a subpopulation of primitive spermatogonia marked by CD87 (plasminogen activator, urokinase receptor), which exhibited a higher level of self-renewal gene expression and migration potential. We further revealed a differentiation-primed state within the undifferentiated compartment, in which elevated Oct4 expression correlates with lower expression of self-renewal pathway factors, higher Rarg expression, and enhanced retinoic acid responsiveness. Lastly, a knockdown experiment revealed the role of Oct4 in the regulation of gene expression related to the MAPK pathway and cell adhesion, which may contribute to stem cell differentiation. Our study thus provides novel insights into cellular and molecular regulation during early germ cell development.

Proteins Regulating Microvesicle Biogenesis and Multidrug Resistance in Cancer

Microvesicles (MV) are emerging as important mediators of intercellular communication. While MVs are important signaling vectors for many physiological processes, they are also implicated in cancer pathology and progression. Cellular activation is perhaps the most widely reported initiator of MV biogenesis, however, the precise mechanism remains undefined. Uncovering the proteins involved in regulating MV biogenesis is of interest given their role in the dissemination of deleterious cancer traits. MVs shed from drug-resistant cancer cells transfer multidrug resistance (MDR) proteins to drug-sensitive cells and confer the MDR phenotype in a matter of hours. MDR is attributed to the overexpression of ABC transporters, primarily P-glycoprotein and MRP1. Their expression and functionality is dependent on a number of proteins. In particular, FERM domain proteins have been implicated in supporting the functionality of efflux transporters in drug-resistant cells and in recipient cells during intercellular transfer by vesicles. Herein, the most recent research on the proteins involved in MV biogenesis and in the dissemination of MV-mediated MDR are discussed. Attention is drawn to unanswered questions in the literature that may prove to be of benefit in ongoing efforts to improve clinical response to chemotherapy and circumventing MDR.

TRPM7 residue S1269 mediates cAMP dependence of Ca2+ influx

The nonspecific divalent cation channel TRPM7 (transient receptor potential-melastatin-like 7) is involved in many Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺-dependent cellular processes, including survival, proliferation and migration. TRPM7 expression predicts metastasis and recurrence in breast cancer and several other cancers. In cultured cells, it can induce an invasive phenotype by promoting Ca²⁺-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition. We previously showed that in neuroblastoma cells that overexpress TRPM7 moderately, stimulation with Ca²⁺-mobilizing agonists leads to a characteristic sustained influx of Ca²⁺. Here we report that sustained influx through TRPM7 is abruptly abrogated by elevating intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Using pharmacological inhibitors and overexpression studies we show that this blockage is mediated by the cAMP effector Protein Kinase A (PKA). Mutational analysis demonstrates that the Serine residue S1269, which is present proximal to the coiled-coil domain within the protein c-terminus, is responsible for sensitivity to cAMP.

Ion Channels in Cancer: Are Cancer Hallmarks Oncochannelopathies?

Genomic instability is a primary cause and fundamental feature of human cancer. However, all cancer cell genotypes generally translate into several common pathophysiological features, often referred to as cancer hallmarks. Although nowadays the catalog of cancer hallmarks is quite broad, the most common and obvious of them are 1) uncontrolled proliferation, 2) resistance to programmed cell death (apoptosis), 3) tissue invasion and metastasis, and 4) sustained angiogenesis. Among the genes affected by cancer, those encoding ion channels are present. Membrane proteins responsible for signaling within cell and among cells, for coupling of extracellular events with intracellular responses, and for maintaining intracellular ionic homeostasis ion channels contribute to various extents to pathophysiological features of each cancer hallmark. Moreover, tight association of these hallmarks with ion channel dysfunction gives a good reason to classify them as special type of channelopathies, namely oncochannelopathies. Although the relation of cancer hallmarks to ion channel dysfunction differs from classical definition of channelopathies, as disease states causally linked with inherited mutations of ion channel genes that alter channel's biophysical properties, in a broader context of the disease state, to which pathogenesis ion channels essentially contribute, such classification seems absolutely appropriate. In this review the authors provide arguments to substantiate such point of view.

The Channel-Kinase TRPM7 as Novel Regulator of Immune System Homeostasis

The enzyme-coupled transient receptor potential channel subfamily M member 7, TRPM7, has been associated with immunity and immune cell signalling. Here, we review the role of this remarkable signalling protein in lymphocyte proliferation, differentiation, activation and survival. We also discuss its role in mast cell, neutrophil and macrophage function and highlight the potential of TRPM7 to regulate immune system homeostasis. Further, we shed light on how the cellular signalling cascades involving TRPM7 channel and/or kinase activity culminate in pathologies as diverse as allergic hypersensitivity, arterial thrombosis and graft versus host disease (G_VHD), stressing the need for TRPM7 specific pharmacological modulators.

The Role of TRP Channels in the Metastatic Cascade

A dysregulated cellular Ca2+ homeostasis is involved in multiple pathologies including cancer. Changes in Ca2+ signaling caused by altered fluxes through ion channels and transporters (the transportome) are involved in all steps of the metastatic cascade. Cancer cells thereby "re-program" and "misuse" the cellular transportome to regulate proliferation, apoptosis, metabolism, growth factor signaling, migration and invasion. Cancer cells use their transportome to cope with diverse environmental challenges during the metastatic cascade, like hypoxic, acidic and mechanical cues. Hence, ion channels and transporters are key modulators of cancer progression. This review focuses on the role of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in the metastatic cascade. After briefly introducing the role of the transportome in cancer, we discuss TRP channel functions in cancer cell migration. We highlight the role of TRP channels in sensing and transmitting cues from the tumor microenvironment and discuss their role in cancer cell invasion. We identify open questions concerning the role of TRP channels in circulating tumor cells and in the processes of intra- and extravasation of tumor cells. We emphasize the importance of TRP channels in different steps of cancer metastasis and propose cancer-specific TRP channel blockade as a therapeutic option in cancer treatment.

Decreased TRPM7 inhibits activities and induces apoptosis of bladder cancer cells via ERK1/2 pathway

Transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) functions as a Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺-permeable channel fused with a kinase domain and regulates various physical processes and diseases. However, its effects on pathogenesis of human bladder cancer (BCa) has not been clarified yet. Our microarray analysis has suggested that calcium signaling pathway is connected with bladder cancer via MAPK pathway. Therefore, we aim to investigate the mechanism of TRPM7 in BCa tumorigenesis by using BCa tissues compared with normal bladder epithelium tissues, as well as using distinct BCa cell lines (EJ, 5637 and T24). We observed increased TRPM7 expression and dysregulation of proteins involved in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in BCa tissues. Moreover, knockdown of TRPM7 in BCa cells reversed the EMT status, accompanied by increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, TRPM7 deficiency could inhibit BCa cell proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as induce p-ERK1/2 and suppress PI3K/AKT at the protein level. Downregulation of TRPM7 promoted cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase and apoptosis in vitro, which could be recovered by pre-treatment with U0126 to deactivate ERK1/2, suggesting a close correlation between TRPM7 and the MAPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, a NOD/SCID mouse model transplanted using the BCa cells was established, revealing delayed tumor growth by reduced protein activity and mRNA transcription of TRPM7 in vivo. Our results suggested TRPM7 might be essential for BCa tumorigenesis by interfering BCa cell proliferation, motility and apoptosis.

ERP44 inhibits human lung cancer cell migration mainly via IP3R2

Cancer cell migration is involved in tumour metastasis. However, the relationship between calcium signalling and cancer migration is not well elucidated. In this study, we used the human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell line to examine the role of endoplasmic reticulum protein 44 (ERP44), which has been reported to regulate calcium release inside of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), in cell migration. We found that the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs/ITPRs) inhibitor 2-APB significantly inhibited A549 cell migration by inhibiting cell polarization and pseudopodium protrusion, which suggests that Ca2+ is necessary for A549 cell migration. Similarly, the overexpression of ERP44 reduced intracellular Ca2+ release via IP3Rs, altered cell morphology and significantly inhibited the migration of A549 cells. These phenomena were primarily dependent on IP3R2 because wound healing in A549 cells with IP3R2 rather than IP3R1 or IP3R3 siRNA was markedly inhibited. Moreover, the overexpression of ERP44 did not affect the migration of the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y, which mainly expresses IP3R1. Based on the above observations, we conclude that ERP44 regulates A549 cell migration mainly via an IP3R2-dependent pathway.

TRPM7 is overexpressed in bladder cancer and promotes proliferation, migration, invasion and tumor growth

Recent findings suggest that the melastatin transient receptor potential channel 7 (TRPM7) is overexpressed in many types of cancers and is involved in tumorigenesis. However, its expression pattern and the potential role in bladder cancer remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression status of TRPM7 and its relationship with the development of bladder cancer. In the present study, we observed that the expression of TRPM7 was significantly elevated in bladder cancer tissues compared with that noted in the adjacent non-tumor tissues. Furthermore, increased TRPM7 expression was significantly associated with recurrence, metastasis and prognosis. In addition, after knockdown of the expression of TRPM7 by siRNA, the proliferation and the motility of T24 and 5637 cells were obviously inhibited, and downregulation of TRPM7 was found to play an important role in bladder cancer cell apoptosis. In conclusion, our findings suggest that TRPM7 plays an important role in bladder cancer, and TRPM7 may serve as a potentially unfavorable factor and novel target for human bladder cancer.

Activation of TRPM7 by naltriben enhances migration and invasion of glioblastoma cells

Glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and aggressive brain tumor in the central nervous system, remains a lethal diagnosis with a median survival of < 15 months. Aberrant expression of the TRPM7 channel has been linked to GBM functions. In this study, using the human GBM cell line U87, we evaluated the TRPM7 activator naltriben on GBM viability, migration, and invasiveness. First, using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique, we showed that naltriben enhanced the endogenous TRPM7-like current in U87 cells. In addition, with Fura-2 Ca²⁺ imaging, we observed robust Ca²⁺ influx following naltriben application. Naltriben significantly enhanced U87 cell migration and invasion (assessed with scratch wound assays, Matrigel invasion experiments, and MMP-2 protein expression), but not viability and proliferation (evaluated with MTT assays). Using Western immunoblots, we also detected the protein levels of p-Akt/t-Akt, and p-ERK1|2/t-ERK1|2. We found that naltriben enhanced the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, but not the PI3k/Akt pathway. Therefore, potentiated TRPM7 activity contributes to the devastating migratory and invasive characteristics of GBM.

Constitutive calcium entry and cancer: updated views and insights

Tight control of basal cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration is essential for cell survival and to fine-tune Ca²⁺-dependent cell functions. A way to control this basal cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration is to regulate membrane Ca²⁺ channels including store-operated Ca²⁺ channels and secondary messenger-operated channels linked to G-protein-coupled or tyrosine kinase receptor activation. Orai, with or without its reticular STIM partner and Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) proteins, were considered to be the main Ca²⁺ channels involved. It is well accepted that, in response to cell stimulation, opening of these Ca²⁺ channels contributes to Ca²⁺ entry and the transient increase in cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration involved in intracellular signaling. However, in various experimental conditions, Ca²⁺ entry and/or Ca²⁺ currents can be recorded at rest, without application of any experimental stimulation. This led to the proposition that some plasma membrane Ca²⁺ channels are already open/activated in basal condition, contributing therefore to constitutive Ca²⁺ entry. This article focuses on direct and indirect observations supporting constitutive activity of channels belonging to the Orai and TRP families and on the mechanisms underlying their basal/constitutive activities.

TRPM channels as potential therapeutic targets against pro-inflammatory diseases

The immune system protects our body against foreign pathogens. However, if it overshoots or turns against itself, pro-inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or diabetes develop. Ions, the most basic signaling molecules, shape intracellular signaling cascades resulting in immune cell activation and subsequent immune responses. Mutations in ion channels required for calcium signaling result in human immunodeficiencies and highlight those ion channels as valued targets for therapies against pro-inflammatory diseases. Signaling pathways regulated by melastatin-like transient receptor potential (TRPM) cation channels also play crucial roles in calcium signaling and leukocyte physiology, affecting phagocytosis, degranulation, chemokine and cytokine expression, chemotaxis and invasion, as well as lymphocyte development and proliferation. Therefore, this review discusses their regulation, possible interactions and whether they can be exploited as targets for therapeutic approaches to pro-inflammatory diseases.

Lipids as central modulators of sensory TRP channels

The transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channel family is involved in a diversity of physiological processes including sensory and homeostatic functions, as well as muscle contraction and vasomotor control. Their dysfunction contributes to the etiology of several diseases, being validated as therapeutic targets. These ion channels may be activated by physical or chemical stimuli and their function is highly influenced by signaling molecules activated by extracellular signals. Notably, as integral membrane proteins, lipid molecules also modulate their membrane location and function either by direct interaction with the channel structure or by modulating the physico-chemical properties of the cellular membrane. This lipid-based modulatory effect is being considered an alternative and promising approach to regulate TRP channel dysfunction in diseases. Here, we review the current progress in this exciting field highlighting a complex channel regulation by a large diversity of lipid molecules and suggesting some diseases that may benefit from a membrane lipid therapy. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Membrane Lipid Therapy: Drugs Targeting Biomembranes edited by Pablo V. Escribá.

Role of TRPM7 in Cancer: Potential as Molecular Biomarker and Therapeutic Target

The transient receptor potential melastatin-subfamily member 7 (TRPM7) is a ubiquitously expressed ion channel with intrinsic kinase activity. Molecular and electrophysiological analyses of the structure and activity of TRPM7 have revealed functional coupling of its channel and kinase activity. Studies have indicated the important roles of TRPM7 channel-kinase in fundamental cellular processes, physiological responses, and embryonic development. Accumulating evidence has shown that TRPM7 is aberrantly expressed and/or activated in human diseases including cancer. TRPM7 plays a variety of functional roles in cancer cells including survival, cell cycle progression, proliferation, growth, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Data from a study using mouse xenograft of human cancer show that TRPM7 is required for tumor growth and metastasis. The aberrant expression of TRPM7 and its genetic mutations/polymorphisms have been identified in various types of carcinoma. Chemical modulators of TRPM7 channel produced inhibition of proliferation, growth, migration, invasion, invadosome formation, and markers of EMT in cancer cells. Taken together, these studies suggest the potential value of exploiting TRPM7 channel-kinase as a molecular biomarker and therapeutic target in human malignancies.

The Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 7 Channel Regulates Pancreatic Cancer Cell Invasion through the Hsp90α/uPA/MMP2 pathway

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy with a very poor prognosis. There is an urgent need to better understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate PDAC cell aggressiveness. The transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) is a nonselective cationic channel that mainly conducts Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺. TRPM7 is overexpressed in numerous malignancies including PDAC. In the present study, we used the PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cell lines to specifically assess the role of TRPM7 in cell invasion and matrix metalloproteinase secretion. We show that TRPM7 regulates Mg²⁺ homeostasis and constitutive cation entry in both PDAC cell lines. Moreover, cell invasion is strongly reduced by TRPM7 silencing without affecting the cell viability. Conditioned media were further studied, by gel zymography, to detect matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) secretion in PDAC cells. Our results show that MMP-2, urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), and heat-shock protein 90α (Hsp90α) secretions are significantly decreased in TRPM7-deficient PDAC cells. Moreover, TRPM7 expression in human PDAC lymph node metastasis is correlated to the channel expression in primary tumor. Taken together, our results show that TRPM7 is involved in PDAC cell invasion through regulation of Hsp90α/uPA/MMP-2 proteolytic axis, confirming that this channel could be a promising biomarker and possibly a target for PDAC metastasis therapy.

Role of transient receptor potential melastatin type 7 channel in gastric cancer

Transient receptor potential (TRP) proteins are a family of ion channels, which are responsible for a wide array of cellular functions. In particular, TRP melastatin type (TRPM) 7 is expressed everywhere and permeable to divalent cations such as Mg2+ and Ca2+. It contains a channel and a kinase domain. Recent studies indicate that activation of TRPM7 plays an important role in the growth and survival of gastric cancer cells. In this review, we describe and discuss the findings of recent studies that have provided novel insights of the relation between TRPM7 and gastric cancer.

Inhibition of TRPM7 by carvacrol suppresses glioblastoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion

Glioblastomas are progressive brain tumors with devastating proliferative and invasive characteristics. Ion channels are the second largest target class for drug development. In this study, we investigated the effects of the TRPM7 inhibitor carvacrol on the viability, resistance to apoptosis, migration, and invasiveness of the human U87 glioblastoma cell line.

The expression levels of TRPM7 mRNA and protein in U87 cells were detected by RT-PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence. TRPM7 currents were recorded using whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. An MTT assay was used to assess cell viability and proliferation. Wound healing and transwell experiments were used to evaluate cell migration and invasion. Protein levels of p-Akt/t-Akt, p-ERK1/2/t-ERK1/2, cleaved caspase-3, MMP-2 and phosphorylated cofilin were also detected.

TRPM7 mRNA and protein expression in U87 cells is higher than in normal human astrocytes. Whole-cell patch-clamp recording showed that carvacrol blocks recombinant TRPM7 current in HEK293 cells and endogenous TRPM7-like current in U87 cells. Carvacrol treatment reduced the viability, migration and invasion of U87 cells. Carvacrol also decreased MMP-2 protein expression and promoted the phosphorylation of cofilin. Furthermore, carvacrol inhibited the Ras/MEK/MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.

Therefore, carvacrol may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of glioblastomas through its inhibition of TRPM7 channels.

Functional characterization of TRPM7 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and its knockdown effects on tumorigenesis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of functional expression of TRPM7 with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) growth. We examined the correlation of TRPM7 expression with cell growth and proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis in vitro in NPC cell lines and NPC tumorigenesis in mice by conducting experiments in mice and by further analyzing the tumor volume and growth. We further explored to see whether there is any positive correlation with the TRPM7 knockdown in NPC cells with their sensitivity to radiation. We found that the functional expression of TRPM7 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a critical requirement for physiological processes such as cell cycle, resistance to apoptosis, and cell proliferation. TRPM7 knockdown also enhanced sensitivity to radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Moreover, we identified TRPM7 as a novel potential regulator of cell proliferation in NPC, through signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)-mediated signaling pathway and other anti-apoptotic factors. TRPM7 and STAT3 activation might be critical for the growth of NPC cells and could be an effective target for treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.