What is the evidence for the role of TRP channels in inflammatory and immune cells?

The search for a blood-based biomarker for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): from biochemistry to electrophysiology

BACKGROUND

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a disease of unknown aetiology characterised by symptoms of post-exertional malaise (PEM) and fatigue leading to substantial impairment in functioning. Other key symptoms include cognitive impairment and unrefreshing sleep, with many experiencing pain. To date there is no complete understanding of the triggering pathomechanisms of disease, and no quantitative biomarker available with sufficient sensitivity, specificity, and adoptability to provide conclusive diagnosis. Clinicians thus eliminate differential diagnoses, and rely on subjective, unspecific, and disputed clinical diagnostic criteria-a process that often takes years with patients being misdiagnosed and receiving inappropriate and sometimes detrimental care. Without a quantitative biomarker, trivialisation, scepticism, marginalisation, and misunderstanding of ME/CFS continues despite the significant disability for many. One in four individuals are bed-bound for long periods of time, others have difficulties maintaining a job/attending school, incurring individual income losses of thousands, while few participate in social activities.

MAIN BODY

Recent studies have reported promising quantifiable differences in the biochemical and electrophysiological properties of blood cells, which separate ME/CFS and non-ME/CFS participants with high sensitivities and specificities-demonstrating potential development of an accessible and relatively non-invasive diagnostic biomarker. This includes profiling immune cells using Raman spectroscopy, measuring the electrical impedance of blood samples during hyperosmotic challenge using a nano-electronic assay, use of metabolomic assays, and certain techniques which assess mitochondrial dysfunction. However, for clinical application, the specificity of these biomarkers to ME/CFS needs to be explored in more disease controls, and their practicality/logistics considered. Differences in cytokine profiles in ME/CFS are also well documented, but finding a consistent, stable, and replicable cytokine profile may not be possible. Increasing evidence demonstrates acetylcholine receptor and transient receptor potential ion channel dysfunction in ME/CFS, though how these findings could translate to a diagnostic biomarker are yet to be explored.

CONCLUSION

Different biochemical and electrophysiological properties which differentiate ME/CFS have been identified across studies, holding promise as potential blood-based quantitative diagnostic biomarkers for ME/CFS. However, further research is required to determine their specificity to ME/CFS and adoptability for clinical use.

Transient receptor potential channels in dental inflammation and pain perception: A comprehensive review

Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels are a family of ion channels that play pivotal roles in various physiological processes, including sensory transduction, temperature regulation, and inflammation. In the context of dentistry, recent research has highlighted the involvement of TRP channels in mediating sensory responses and inflammation in dental tissues and temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) structure. TRP channels have emerged as major contributors in the development of inflammatory conditions and pain affecting the oral cavity and related structures, such as periodontitis, dental erosion cause hypersensitivity, pulpitis, and TMJ disorders. These inflammatory conditions notably contribute to oral health challenges, often leading to sharp pain, dull aches, and compromised functionality. Pharmacological interventions and emerging strategies aimed at modulating TRP channel activity are critically evaluated. The therapeutic potential of targeting TRP channels in the management within dental practice is a focal point of view to alleviate pain and inflammation. In conclusion, this comprehensive review provides a valuable synthesis of current knowledge regarding the involvement of TRP channels in inflammatory conditions of dentistry underscoring the potential of TRP channels as promising targets for therapeutic intervention, and then paving the way for innovative strategies to address the complexities of inflammatory dental conditions.

Essential oils from Amorpha fruticosa against hepatocellular carcinoma based on network pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Amorpha fruticosa was used for treating burn, ambustion, carbuncle, and eczema in the traditional Chinese medicine. Although more and more attention has been paid to its biological activity recently, the antitumor activities of the essential oils (EOs) extracted from its leaves (AFLEO) and flowers (AFFEO), and their molecular mechanisms have never been reported up to now. The objective of present study was to examine the chemical compositions of AFLEO and AFFEO, then investigate the effects and pharmacological mechanism of EOs against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

The chemical compositions of EOs were examined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The inhibitory effect of the EOs on HCC was evaluated by MTT assay. The detected components of AFLEO and AFFEO were performed ADME screening to examine their drug-likeness. Then a PPI network, compound-target network, compound-target-pathway network, gene ontology, and KEGG enrichment for HCC were applied to identify the targets and pathways for AFLEO and AFFEO against HCC. Molecular docking of the main components and their targets was performed to predict the binding affinity. Western blotting was used to verify the results.

RESULTS

30 components were identified from AFLEO, while 22 components from AFFEO. Both AFLEO and AFFEO inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells in a time and dose-dependent manner. 10 compounds of AFLEO and 9 compounds of AFFEO were screened out for further analysis. 28 hub targets of AFLEO and 40 hub targets of AFFEO were detected by PPI network. KEGG analysis revealed that pathways in cancer, chemical carcinogenesis - receptor activation and proteoglycans in cancer were related to the EOs against HCC. Molecular docking confirmed that the main component of the EOs has high affinity to the targets of HCC.

CONCLUSIONS

AFLEO and AFFEO may suppress HCC by acting on multiple targets and regulating multiple pathways.

Ion channels in macrophages: Implications for disease progression

RATIONALE

Macrophages are immune cells found throughout the body and exhibit morphological and functional diversity. Macrophages have been implicated in a wide range of diseases, including autoimmune diseases, acute liver injury, cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases and tumours. Ion channels are transmembrane glycoproteins with important functions in maintaining homeostasis in the intra- and extracellular environment and mediating signal transduction. Many studies have shown that different types of ion channels influence the role of macrophages in the development of various diseases. In recent years, studies on the role of ion channels in macrophages in immune regulation and inflammatory responses have attracted much attention.

OBJECTIVE AND FINDINGS

In order to gain a deeper understanding of the role of macrophage ion channels, this paper reviews the recent research progress on the role of macrophage ion channels in recent years. The aim is to explore the role of different ion channels in the regulation of macrophage function and their impact on a variety of disease processes. The most studied channels are calcium, sodium and potassium channels, most of which are located in the cell membrane. Among these, TRP channels have a more complex role in M1 and M2 macrophage types.

CONCLUSION

Ion channels are critical for the functional regulation of macrophages. Targeting ion channels provides new avenues for disease prevention and treatment. This review provides researchers with new ideas and introduces readers to the current state of research on ion channels in macrophages.

Protective Effect of Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 Inhibition on Renal Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in Rats

The transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channels, characterized as nonselective cation channels with permeability to calcium ions (Ca2 +), are part of the extensive family of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Research has demonstrated that TRPA1 channels function as sensors for oxidative stress in the renal tubules. Additionally, TRPA1 expression has increased in renal tissue following ischemia-reperfusion (IR). There is also a significant correlation between IR-induced renal injury and TRPA1 expression. This study investigated the effects of selective TRPA1 agonist ASP7663 and selective TRPA1 antagonist HC-030031 on renal IR injury. A total of 40 rats were divided into four groups: control, IR, IR+ASP7663, and IR + HC-030031. The rat kidneys were exposed to 45 min of ischemia, followed by 24 h of reperfusion. TRPA1 agonist ASP7663 and selective TRPA1 antagonist HC-030031 were administered intraperitoneally to the treatment groups with renal IR. HC-030031 administration reduced the elevated kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cre) caused by renal IR. HC-030031 administration reduced the increased histopathological damage in renal tissue due to IR. It also reduced renal tissue interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), phosphorylated-NF-κB, phosphorylated-IκB-α, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and caspase-3 levels. In this study, TRPA1 antagonist HC-030031 showed a protective behavior on renal IR injury by averting inflammation and apoptosis. After further studies, TRPA1 inhibition may be a new treatment strategy to prevent renal IR injury.

TRPM7 activity drives human CD4 T-cell activation and differentiation in a magnesium dependent manner

T lymphocyte activation is a crucial process in the regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. The ion channel-kinase TRPM7 has previously been implicated in cellular Mg2+ homeostasis, proliferation, and immune cell modulation. Here, we show that pharmacological and genetic silencing of TRPM7 leads to diminished human CD4 T-cell activation and proliferation following TCR mediated stimulation. In both primary human CD4 T cells and CRISPR/Cas-9 engineered Jurkat T cells, loss of TRPM7 led to altered Mg2+ homeostasis, Ca2+ signaling, reduced NFAT translocation, decreased IL-2 secretion and ultimately diminished proliferation and differentiation. While the activation of primary human CD4 T cells was dependent on TRPM7, polarization of naïve CD4 T cells into regulatory T cells (Treg) was not. Taken together, these results highlight TRPM7 as a key protein of cellular Mg2+ homeostasis and CD4 T-cell activation. Its role in lymphocyte activation suggests therapeutic potential for TRPM7 in numerous T-cell mediated diseases.

Role of Divalent Cations in Infections in Host-Pathogen Interaction

With increasing numbers of patients worldwide diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, renal disease, and iatrogenic immune deficiencies, an increased understanding of the role of electrolyte interactions in mitigating pathogen virulence is necessary. The levels of divalent cations affect host susceptibility and pathogen survival in persons with relative immune insufficiency. For instance, when host cellular levels of calcium are high compared to magnesium, this relationship contributes to insulin resistance and triples the risk of clinical tuberculosis. The movement of divalent cations within intracellular spaces contributes to the host defense, causing apoptosis or autophagy of the pathogen. The control of divalent cation flow is dependent in part upon the mammalian natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (NRAMP) in the host. Survival of pathogens such as M tuberculosis within the bronchoalveolar macrophage is also dependent upon NRAMP. Pathogens evolve mutations to control the movement of calcium through external and internal channels. The host NRAMP as a metal transporter competes for divalent cations with the pathogen NRAMP in M tuberculosis (whether in latent, dormant, or active phase). This review paper summarizes mechanisms of pathogen offense and patient defense using inflow and efflux through divalent cation channels under the influence of parathyroid hormone vitamin D and calcitonin.

Involvement of the TRPV1 receptor and the endocannabinoid system in schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe mental disorder, but its pathogenesis is still unknown, and its clinical treatment effect is very limited. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel and the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)have been confirmed to be involved in the pathogenesis of SCZ, although their actions have not been fully clarified yet. The objective is to examine TRPV1 and ECS expression in the blood of schizophrenia patients and investigate their correlation with disease severity.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional investigation. Peripheral blood samples were gathered from normal controls (NC, n=37), as well as individuals with schizophrenia, including first episode (n=30) and recurrent (n=30) cases. We employed western blot and ELISA techniques to quantify TRPV1, cannabinoid receptors 1(CB1), anandamide (AEA), and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and assess the severity of the patient's symptoms by means of the PANSS scale.

RESULTS

Compared to NC, TRPV1 levels showed a noticeable decrease in both first episode schizophrenia (f-SCZ group) and recurrent schizophrenia (r-SCZ group) subjects. Additionally, CB1 levels appeared increased in f-SCZ group. Furthermore, 2-AG levels were found to be elevated in both f-SCZ group and r-SCZ group compared to NC, whereas AEA levels were decreased in f-SCZ group but increased in r-SCZ group. Moreover, among schizophrenia patients, TRPV1 demonstrated a negative correlation with negative symptoms. Within r-SCZ subjects, CB1 displayed a negative correlation with relapse number, while 2-AG showed a correlation in the opposite direction.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides initial clinical evidence of changed TRPV1 expression in schizophrenia, potentially linked to negative symptoms. These results suggest a possible dysfunction of TRPV1 and the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which might offer new avenues for medical interventions.

Repeated doses of captopril induce airway hyperresponsiveness by modulating the TRPV1 receptor in rats

Although TRPV1 receptors play an essential role in the adverse effects on the airways following captopril treatment, there is no available evidence of their involvement in treatment regimens involving repeated doses of captopril. Comparing the difference in these two treatment regimens is essential since captopril is a continuous-use medication. Thus, this study explored the role of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in the effects of captopril on rat airways using two treatment regimens. Airway resistance, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and histological and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted in rats administered with single or repeated doses of captopril. This study showed that the hyperresponsiveness to bradykinin and capsaicin in captopril-treated rats was acute. Treatment with the selective B2 antagonist, HOE140 reduced bradykinin hyperresponsiveness and abolished capsaicin exacerbation in single-dose captopril-treated rats. Likewise, degeneration of TRPV1-positive neurones also reduced hyperresponsiveness to bradykinin. Single-dose captopril treatment increased leukocyte infiltration in the BAL when compared with the vehicle and this increase was reduced by TRPV1-positive neurone degeneration. However, when compared with the vehicle treatment, animals treated with repeated doses of captopril showed an increase in leukocyte influx as early as 1 h after the last captopril treatment, but this effect disappeared after 24 h. Additionally, an increase in TRPV1 expression occurred only in animals who received repeated captopril doses and the degeneration of TRPV1-positive neurones attenuated TRPV1 upregulation. In conclusion, these data strongly indicate that a treatment regimen involving multiple doses of captopril not only enhances sensitisation but also upregulates TRPV1 expression. Consequently, targeting TRPV1 could serve as a promising strategy to reduce the negative impact of captopril on the airways.

A comprehensive analysis of TRP-related gene signature, and immune infiltration in patients with colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are involved in the development and progression of tumors. However, their role in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear, and this study aims to investigate the role of TRP-related genes in CRC.

METHODS

Data was obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and analyses were conducted on the GSE14333 and GSE38832 datasets to assess the prognosis and mark TRP-related genes (TRGs). Subsequently, clustering analysis and immune infiltration analysis were performed to explore the relevant TRGs. In vitro validation of key TRGs' gene and protein expression was conducted using human colon cancer cells.

RESULTS

Compared to normal tissues, 8 TRGs were significantly upregulated in CRC, while 11 were downregulated. TRPA1 was identified as a protective prognostic factor, whereas TRPM5 (HR = 1.349), TRPV4 (HR = 1.289), and TRPV3 (HR = 1.442) were identified as prognostic risk factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Kaplan-Meier (KM) analyses yielded similar results. Additionally, lower expression of TRPA1 and higher expression of TRPV4 and TRPM5 were negatively correlated with patient prognosis, and experimental validation confirmed the underexpression of TRPA1 and overexpression of TRPV4 and TRPM5 in CRC cell lines.

CONCLUSION

This study identifies a TRP channel-related prognosis in CRC, providing a novel approach to stratifying CRC prognosis.

High humidity and NO2 co-exposure exacerbates allergic asthma by increasing oxidative stress, inflammatory and TRP protein expressions in lung tissue

Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease with a high mortality rate and a rapidly increasing prevalence in recent decades that is closely linked to environmental change. Previous research found that high humidity (HH) and the traffic-related air pollutant NO2 both aggregated allergic asthma. Their combined effect and mechanisms on asthma exacerbation, however, are unknown. Our study aims to toxicologically clarify the role of HH (90%) and NO2 (5 ppm) on allergic asthma. Ninety male Balb/c mice were randomly assigned to one of six groups (n = 15 in each): saline control, ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized, OVA + HH, OVA + NO2, OVA + HH + NO2, and OVA + HH + NO2+Capsazepine (CZP). After 38 days of treatment, the airway function, pathological changes in lung tissue, blood inflammatory cells, and oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers were comprehensively assessed. Co-exposure to HH and NO2 exacerbated histopathological changes and airway hyperresponsiveness, increased IgE, oxidative stress markers malonaldehyde (MDA) and allergic asthma-related inflammation markers (IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-17), and upregulated the expressions of the transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels (TRPA1, TRPV1 and TRPV4). Our findings show that co-exposure to HH and NO2 disrupted the Th1/Th2 immune balance, promoting allergic airway inflammation and asthma susceptibility, and increasing TRPV1 expression, whereas CZP reduced TRPV1 expression and alleviated allergic asthma symptoms. Thus, therapeutic treatments that target the TRPV1 ion channel have the potential to effectively manage allergic asthma.

Lower urinary dysfunction as a long-term effect of childhood vincristine treatment, with potential influences by sex and dose

Vincristine (VCR) is one of the most widely used chemotherapy agents in treating pediatric cancer. Nonetheless, it is known to cause dose-dependent neurotoxicity which can impact virtually every organ system. Despite its widespread use, the precise impact of VCR on the lower urinary tract (LUT) remains inadequately elucidated. Our initial clinical and translational investigations suggest a sex-specific influence of childhood VCR exposure on LUT function. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate the late effects of systemic VCR exposure on LUT physiology and the underlying mechanisms, focusing on dosage and male-sex, employing juvenile CD-1 mice as a model. Male mice subjected to VCR exhibited augmented functional bladder capacity accompanied by frequent non-void contractions during awake cystometry, alongside mast cell accumulation within the bladder, compared to the saline-treated control group. Noteworthy functional changes were observed in bladder strips from the VCR group, including decreased nerve-mediated contraction, heightened contractile responses to cholinergic and purinergic agonists, enhanced responsiveness to histamine-primarily via histamine receptor 1 (Hrh1)-and an augmented relaxation effect with compound 48/80 (a mast cell degranulator), relative to the control group. Significant changes in gene expression levels associated with neuroinflammation and nociception were observed in both the bladder and lumbosacral dorsal root ganglia (Ls-DRG) of the VCR group. These findings suggest that VCR exposure during childhood, particularly in males, triggers neuroimmune responses in the bladder and Ls-DRG, amplifying responsiveness to neurotransmitters in the bladder, thereby contributing to LUT dysfunction characterized by a mixed bladder phenotype as a late effect during survivorship.

Novel characterization of endogenous transient receptor potential melastatin 3 ion channels from Gulf War Illness participants

Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic condition characterized by multisystem symptoms that still affect up to one-third of veterans who engaged in combat in the Gulf War three decades ago. The aetiology of GWI is mainly explained by exposure to multiple toxic agents, vaccines, and medications. As there is a significant overlap in symptoms between GWI and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), the objective of this study was to investigate a biomarker widely reported in Natural Killer (NK) cells from ME/CFS patients, the Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 3 (TRPM3) ion channel. NK cells from 6 healthy controls (HC) and 6 GWI participants were isolated, and TRPM3 function was assessed through whole-cell patch-clamp. As demonstrated by prior studies, NK cells from HC expressed typical TRPM3 function after pharmacomodulation. In contrast, this pilot investigation demonstrates a dysfunctional TRPM3 in NK cells from GWI participants through application of a TRPM3 agonist and confirmed by a TRPM3 antagonist. There was a significant reduction in TRPM3 function from GWI than results measured in HC. This study provides an unprecedented research field to investigate the involvement of TRP ion channels in the pathomechanism and potential medical interventions to improve GWI quality of life.

Exploration of Molecular Mechanisms of Immunity in the Pacific Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) in Response to Vibrio alginolyticus Invasion

Over the years, oysters have faced recurring mass mortality issues during the summer breeding season, with Vibrio infection emerging as a significant contributing factor. Tubules of gill filaments were confirmed to be in the hematopoietic position in Crassostrea gigas, which produce hemocytes with immune defense capabilities. Additionally, the epithelial cells of oyster gills produce immune effectors to defend against pathogens. In light of this, we performed a transcriptome analysis of gill tissues obtained from C. gigas infected with Vibrio alginolyticus for 12 h and 48 h. Through this analysis, we identified 1024 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at 12 h post-injection and 1079 DEGs at 48 h post-injection. Enrichment analysis of these DEGs revealed a significant association with immune-related Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. To further investigate the immune response, we constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network using the DEGs enriched in immune-associated KEGG pathways. This network provided insights into the interactions and relationships among these genes, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of the innate immune defense mechanism in oyster gills. To ensure the accuracy of our findings, we validated 16 key genes using quantitative RT-PCR. Overall, this study represents the first exploration of the innate immune defense mechanism in oyster gills using a PPI network approach. The findings provide valuable insights for future research on oyster pathogen control and the development of oysters with enhanced antimicrobial resistance.

Exploring the impact of nonylphenol exposure on Litopenaeus vannamei at the histological and molecular levels

Nonylphenol (NP) is one of the common pollutants in the environment that have toxic effects on aquatic animals. Nevertheless, little is known about the possible toxicity mechanism of NP on the hepatopancreas of Litopenaeus vannamei. In the present study, the detrimental effects of NP on the hepatopancreas of the L. vannamei were explored at the histological and transcriptomic levels. The findings indicated that after NP exposed for 3, 12, and 48 h, the hepatopancreas histology was changed significantly. Transcriptomic analysis showed that a total of 4302, 3651, and 4830 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at 3, 12, and 48 h following NP exposure. All these DEGs were classified into 12 clusters according to the expression patterns at different time points. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of DEGs were also performed, immunological, metabolic, and inflammatory related pathways, including arachidonic acid metabolism (ko00590), the PPAR signaling pathway (ko03320), and the regulation of TRP channels by inflammatory mediators (ko04750) were significantly enriched. Six DEGs were selected for validation by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and the results confirmed the reliability of transcriptome data. All results indicated that NP is toxic to L. vannamei by damaging the histopathological structure and disrupting the biological function. The findings would provide a theoretical framework for lowering or limiting the detrimental impacts of NP on aquaculture and help us to further study the molecular toxicity of NP in crustaceans.

Widespread transcriptomic alterations of transient receptor potential channel genes in cancer

Ion channels, in particular transient-receptor potential (TRP) channels, are essential genes that play important roles in many physiological processes. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that TRP genes are involved in a number of diseases, including various cancer types. However, we still lack knowledge about the expression alterations landscape of TRP genes across cancer types. In this review, we comprehensively reviewed and summarised the transcriptomes from more than 10 000 samples in 33 cancer types. We found that TRP genes were widespreadly transcriptomic dysregulated in cancer, which was associated with clinical survival of cancer patients. Perturbations of TRP genes were associated with a number of cancer pathways across cancer types. Moreover, we reviewed the functions of TRP family gene alterations in a number of diseases reported in recent studies. Taken together, our study comprehensively reviewed TRP genes with extensive transcriptomic alterations and their functions will directly contribute to cancer therapy and precision medicine.

Investigation of Trpa1 and Trpc1 Immunreactivities in Colon Adenocarcinomas

Purpose

As the normal colon epithelium differentiates into adenoma, invasive cancer and metastatic cancer, the cell acquires new characteristics such as apoptosis, proliferation, differentiation, invasion and metastasis. Many mechanisms are effective in acquiring these qualities. One of these is the regulation of the functioning of ion channels. This study aimed to examine TRPA1 and TRPC1 expression in colorectal adenocarcinomas showing different degrees of differentiation.

Patients and Methods

We examined the biopsy specimens of 60 patients diagnosed with colorectal adenocarcinomas, including those of patients with well-differentiated (n = 20), moderately differentiated (n = 20) and poorly differentiated (n = 20) carcinomas. Moreover, 20 biopsy specimens of individuals with normal colonic mucosa were examined. Histoscores were calculated for TRPA1 and TRPC1 based on the extent of diffusion and intensity of immunoreactivity, and these scores were compared statistically.

Results

A statistically significant increase in both TRPA1 and TRPC1 immunoreactivity was observed in low-grade and high-grade colon adenocarcinomas compared to the control group (p<0.001). A statistically significant decrease in both TRPA1 and TRPC1 immunoreactivity was observed in high-grade colon adenocarcinomas compared to low-grade colon adenocarcinomas (p<0.001).

Conclusion

TRPA1 and TRPC1 immunoreactivites are increased in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissue compared with the healthy tissue. Furthermore, the immunoreactivity decreases as the grade of cancer increases.

The anatomy, neurophysiology, and cellular mechanisms of intradental sensation

Somatosensory innervation of the oral cavity enables the detection of a range of environmental stimuli including minute and noxious mechanical forces. The trigeminal sensory neurons underlie sensation originating from the tooth. Prior work has provided important physiological and molecular characterization of dental pulp sensory innervation. Clinical dental experiences have informed our conception of the consequence of activating these neurons. However, the biological role of sensory innervation within the tooth is yet to be defined. Recent transcriptomic data, combined with mouse genetic tools, have the capacity to provide important cell-type resolution for the physiological and behavioral function of pulp-innervating sensory neurons. Importantly, these tools can be applied to determine the neuronal origin of acute dental pain that coincides with tooth damage as well as pain stemming from tissue inflammation (i.e., pulpitis) toward developing treatment strategies aimed at relieving these distinct forms of pain.

TRPV1 Channel in Human Eosinophils: Functional Expression and Inflammatory Modulation

The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is a non-selective cation channel expressed on sensory neurons and immune cells. We hypothesize that TRPV1 plays a role in human eosinophil function and is modulated by inflammatory conditions. TRPV1 expression on human eosinophils was examined by qPCR, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry, respectively. TRPV1 functionality was analyzed by investigating calcium flux, apoptosis, modulation by cytokines and acidic pH, and CD69 externalization using flow cytometry. Activation of TRPV1 induced calcium influx and prolonged survival. Although eosinophils were not directly activated by TRPV1 agonists, activation by IL-3 or GM-CSF was mainly restricted to TRPV1-positive eosinophils. TRPV1 surface content was increased by acidic pH, IL-3, IL-31, IL-33, TSLP, TNF-α, BDNF, and NGF-β. Interestingly, TRPV1 was also expressed by eosinophils located in proximity to peripheral nerves in atopic dermatitis (AD) skin. In conclusion, eosinophils express functional TRPV1 channels which are increased by extracellular acidification and AD-related cytokines. Since eosinophils also express TRPV1 in AD skin, our results indicate an important role of TRPV1 for neuroimmune interaction mechanisms in itchy, inflammatory skin diseases, like AD.

The role of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in phagocytosis: A comprehensive review

When host cells are exposed to foreign particles, dead cells, or cell hazards, a sophisticated process called phagocytosis begins. During this process, macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils engulf the target by expanding their membranes. Phagocytosis of apoptotic cells is called efferocytosis. This process is of significant importance as billions of cells are eliminated daily without provoking inflammation. Both phagocytosis and efferocytosis depend on Ca2+ signaling. A big family of Ca2+ permeable channels is transient receptor potentials (TRPs) divided into nine subfamilies. We aimed to review their roles in phagocytosis. The present review article shows that various TRP channels such as TRPV1, 2, 3, 4, TRPM2, 4, 7, 8, TRPML1, TRPA1, TRPC1, 3, 5, 6 have roles at various stages of phagocytosis. They are involved in the phagocytosis of amyloid β, α-synuclein, myelin debris, bacteria, and apoptotic cells. In particular, TRPC3 and TRPM7 contribute to efferocytosis. These effects are mediated by changing Ca2+ signaling or targeting intracellular enzymes such as Akt. In addition, they contribute to the chemotaxis of phagocytic cells towards targets. Although a limited number of studies have assessed the role of TRP channels in phagocytosis and efferocytosis, their findings indicate that they have critical roles in these processes. In some cases, their ablation completely abolished the phagocytic function of the cells. As a result, TRP channels are potential targets for developing new therapeutics that modulate phagocytosis.

Psilocybin and Eugenol Reduce Inflammation in Human 3D EpiIntestinal Tissue

Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), by contributing to tissue damage and exacerbating the immune response. The investigation of serotonin receptor 2A (5-HT2A) ligands and transient receptor potential (TRP) channel ligands is of significant interest due to their potential to modulate key inflammatory pathways, mitigate the pathological effects of inflammation, and offer new avenues for therapeutic interventions in IBD. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory effects of 5-HT2A ligands, including psilocybin, 4-AcO-DMT, and ketanserin, in combination with TRP channel ligands, including capsaicin, curcumin, and eugenol, on the inflammatory response induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ in human 3D EpiIntestinal tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to assess the expression of pro-inflammatory markers TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and GM-CSF. Our results show that psilocybin, 4-AcO-DMT, and eugenol significantly reduce TNF-α and IFN-γ levels, while capsaicin and curcumin decrease these markers to a lesser extent. Psilocybin effectively lowers IL-6 and IL-8 levels, but curcumin, capsaicin, and 4-AcO-DMT have limited effects on these markers. In addition, psilocybin can significantly decrease MCP-1 and GM-CSF levels. While ketanserin lowers IL-6 and GM-CSF levels, there are no effects seen on TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-8, or MCP-1. Although synergistic effects between 5-HT2A and TRP channel ligands are minimal in this study, the results provide further evidence of the anti-inflammatory effects of psilocybin and eugenol. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of action and the feasibility of using these compounds as anti-inflammatory therapies for conditions like IBD.

Transient receptor potential-related risk model predicts prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients

BACKGROUND

Members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) protein family shape oncogenic development, but the specific relevance of TRP-related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has yet to be defined.

AIM

To investigate the role of TRP genes in HCC, their association with HCC development and treatment was examined.

METHODS

HCC patient gene expression and clinical data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, and univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression models were employed to explore the TRP-related risk spectrum. Based on these analyses, clinically relevant TRP family genes were selected, and the association between the key TRP canonical type 1 (TRPC1) gene and HCC patient prognosis was evaluated.

RESULTS

In total, 28 TRP family genes were screened for clinical relevance, with multivariate analyses ultimately revealing three of these genes (TRPC1, TRP cation channel subfamily M member 2, and TRP cation channel subfamily M member 6) to be significantly associated with HCC patient prognosis (P < 0.05). These genes were utilized to establish a TRP-related risk model. Patients were separated into low- and high-risk groups based on the expression of these genes, and high-risk patients exhibited a significantly poorer prognosis (P = 0.001). Functional analyses highlighted pronounced differences in the immune status of patients in these two groups and associated enriched immune pathways. TRPC1 was identified as a candidate gene in this family worthy of further study, with HCC patients expressing higher TRPC1 levels exhibiting poorer survival outcomes. Consistently, quantitative, immunohistochemistry, and western blot analyses revealed increased TRPC1 expression in HCC.

CONCLUSION

These three TRP genes help determine HCC patient prognosis, providing insight into tumor immune status and immunological composition. These findings will help design combination therapies including immunotherapeutic and anti-TRP agents.

Genetic evidence behind the Cd resistance of wild Metaphire californica: The global RNA regulation rather than specific mutation of well-known gene

Heavy metal contamination presents a profound threat to terrestrial biodiversity, yet the genetic adaptation and evolution of field organisms under persistent stress are poorly understood. In this study, the Cd-resistant earthworms Metaphire californica collected from the control (Meihua, MHC) and elevated-pollution (Lupu, LPC) pairwise sites were used to elucidate the underlying genetic mechanism. A 48-h acute test showed that LPC worms exhibited 2.34 times higher LC50 (50% lethal concentration values) compared to MHC ones. The Cd bioaccumulation, metallothionein (MT) protein contents, and MT gene expression of LPC M.californica were all significantly higher than those of MHC worms. The well-known MT gene of M.californica was successfully cloned and identified, however, the encoding nucleotide and amino acids displayed non-observable mutations and the phylogenetic tree also revealed that different populations clustered together. Additionally, the results of transcriptomics sequencing demonstrated 173 differentially expressed genes between LPC and MHC worms, primarily involved in stress-response and detoxification pathways, including signal transduction, material metabolism, and protein exports. The above results confirmed that the crucial MT gene did not undergo genetic mutations but rather exhibited global mRNA regulation responsible for the Cd resistance of M.californica. The current study partially disclosed the stress adaptation and evolution of organisms under long-term in situ contamination, which provides insights into maintaining biodiversity under adverse environment.

TRPA1 activation and Hsp90 inhibition synergistically downregulate macrophage activation and inflammatory responses in vitro

BACKGROUND

Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channels are known to be actively involved in various pathophysiological conditions, including neuronal inflammation, neuropathic pain, and various immunological responses. Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), a cytoplasmic molecular chaperone, is well-reported for various cellular and physiological processes. Hsp90 inhibition by various molecules has garnered importance for its therapeutic significance in the downregulation of inflammation and are proposed as anti-cancer drugs. However, the possible role of TRPA1 in the Hsp90-associated modulation of immune responses remains scanty.

RESULTS

Here, we have investigated the role of TRPA1 in regulating the anti-inflammatory effect of Hsp90 inhibition via 17-(allylamino)-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) stimulation in RAW 264.7, a mouse macrophage cell lines and PMA differentiated THP-1, a human monocytic cell line similar to macrophages. Activation of TRPA1 with Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is observed to execute an anti-inflammatory role via augmenting Hsp90 inhibition-mediated anti-inflammatory responses towards LPS or PMA stimulation in macrophages, whereas inhibition of TRPA1 by 1,2,3,6-Tetrahydro-1,3-dimethyl-N-[4-(1-methylethyl)phenyl]-2,6-dioxo-7 H-purine-7-acetamide,2-(1,3-Dimethyl-2,6-dioxo-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-7 H-purin-7-yl)-N-(4-isopropylphenyl)acetamide (HC-030031) downregulates these developments. LPS or PMA-induced macrophage activation was found to be regulated by TRPA1. The same was confirmed by studying the levels of activation markers (major histocompatibility complex II (MHCII), cluster of differentiation (CD) 80 (CD80), and CD86, pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin 6 (IL-6)), NO (nitric oxide) production, differential expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways (p-p38 MAPK, phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK 1/2), and phosphor-stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-SAPK/JNK)), and induction of apoptosis. Additionally, TRPA1 has been found to be an important contributor to intracellular calcium levels toward Hsp90 inhibition in LPS or PMA-stimulated macrophages.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates a significant role of TRPA1 in Hsp90 inhibition-mediated anti-inflammatory developments in LPS or PMA-stimulated macrophages. Activation of TRPA1 and inhibition of Hsp90 has synergistic roles towards regulating inflammatory responses associated with macrophages. The role of TRPA1 in Hsp90 inhibition-mediated modulation of macrophage responses may provide insights towards designing future novel therapeutic approaches to regulate various inflammatory responses.

Roles of TRPM4 in immune responses in keratinocytes and identification of a novel TRPM4-activating agent

The skin is a protective interface between the internal organs and environment and functions not only as a physical barrier but also as an immune organ. However, the immune system in the skin is not fully understood. A member of the thermo-sensitive transient receptor potential (TRP) channel family, TRPM4, which acts as a regulatory receptor in immune cells, was recently reported to be expressed in human skin and keratinocytes. However, the function of TRPM4 in immune responses in keratinocytes has not been investigated. In this study, we found that treatment with BTP2, a known TRPM4 agonist, reduced cytokine production induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α in normal human epidermal keratinocytes and in immortalized human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). This cytokine-reducing effect was not observed in TRPM4-deficient HaCaT cells, indicating that TRPM4 contributed to the control of cytokine production in keratinocytes. Furthermore, we identified aluminum potassium sulfate, as a new TRPM4 activating agent. Aluminum potassium sulfate reduced Ca²⁺ influx by store-operated Ca²⁺ entry in human TRPM4-expressing HEK293T cells. We further confirmed that aluminum potassium sulfate evoked TRPM4-mediated currents, showing direct evidence for TRPM4 activation. Moreover, treatment with aluminum potassium sulfate reduced cytokine expression induced by TNFα in HaCaT cells. Taken together, our data suggested that TRPM4 may serve as a new target for the treatment of skin inflammatory reactions by suppressing the cytokine production in keratinocytes, and aluminum potassium sulfate is a useful ingredient to prevent undesirable skin inflammation through TRPM4 activation.

Vascular mechanotransduction

This review aims to survey the current state of mechanotransduction in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs), including their sensing of mechanical stimuli and transduction of mechanical signals that result in the acute functional modulation and longer-term transcriptomic and epigenetic regulation of blood vessels. The mechanosensors discussed include ion channels, plasma membrane-associated structures and receptors, and junction proteins. The mechanosignaling pathways presented include the cytoskeleton, integrins, extracellular matrix, and intracellular signaling molecules. These are followed by discussions on mechanical regulation of transcriptome and epigenetics, relevance of mechanotransduction to health and disease, and interactions between VSMCs and ECs. Throughout this review, we offer suggestions for specific topics that require further understanding. In the closing section on conclusions and perspectives, we summarize what is known and point out the need to treat the vasculature as a system, including not only VSMCs and ECs but also the extracellular matrix and other types of cells such as resident macrophages and pericytes, so that we can fully understand the physiology and pathophysiology of the blood vessel as a whole, thus enhancing the comprehension, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of vascular diseases.

The CaSR/TRPV4 coupling mediates pro-inflammatory macrophage function

AIM

Although calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) and transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channels are functionally expressed on macrophages, it is unclear if they work coordinately to mediate macrophage function. The present study investigates whether CaSR couples to TRPV4 channels and mediates macrophage polarization via Ca²⁺ signaling.

METHODS

The role of CaSR/TRPV4/Ca²⁺ signaling was assessed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated peritoneal macrophages (PMs) from wild-type (WT) and TRPV4 knockout (TRPV4 KO) mice. The expression and function of CaSR and TRPV4 in PMs were analyzed by immunofluorescence and digital Ca²⁺ imaging. The correlation factors of M1 polarization, CCR7, IL-1β, and TNFα were detected using q-PCR, western blot, and ELISA.

RESULTS

We found that PMs expressed CaSR and TRPV4, and CaSR activation-induced marked Ca²⁺ signaling predominately through extracellular Ca²⁺ entry, which was inhibited by selective pharmacological blockers of CaSR and TRPV4 channels. The CaSR activation-induced Ca²⁺ signaling was significantly attenuated in PMs from TRPV4 KO mice compared to those from WT mice. Moreover, the CaSR activation-induced Ca²⁺ entry via TRPV4 channels was inhibited by blocking phospholipases A2 (PLA2)/cytochromeP450 (CYP450) and phospholipase C (PLC)/Protein kinase C (PKC) pathways. Finally, CaSR activation promoted the expression and release of M1-associated cytokines IL-1β and TNFɑ, which were attenuated in PMs from TRPV4 KO mice.

CONCLUSION

We reveal a novel coupling of the CaSR and TRPV4 channels via PLA2/CYP450 and PLC/PKC pathways, promoting a Ca²⁺ -dependent M1 macrophage polarization. Modulation of this coupling and downstream pathways may become a potential strategy for the prevention/treatment of immune-related disease.

Ion Channels in the Development and Remodeling of the Aortic Valve

The role of ion channels is extensively described in the context of the electrical activity of excitable cells and in excitation-contraction coupling. They are, through this phenomenon, a key element for cardiac activity and its dysfunction. They also participate in cardiac morphological remodeling, in particular in situations of hypertrophy. Alongside this, a new field of exploration concerns the role of ion channels in valve development and remodeling. Cardiac valves are important components in the coordinated functioning of the heart by ensuring unidirectional circulation essential to the good efficiency of the cardiac pump. In this review, we will focus on the ion channels involved in both the development and/or the pathological remodeling of the aortic valve. Regarding valve development, mutations in genes encoding for several ion channels have been observed in patients suffering from malformation, including the bicuspid aortic valve. Ion channels were also reported to be involved in the morphological remodeling of the valve, characterized by the development of fibrosis and calcification of the leaflets leading to aortic stenosis. The final stage of aortic stenosis requires, until now, the replacement of the valve. Thus, understanding the role of ion channels in the progression of aortic stenosis is an essential step in designing new therapeutic approaches in order to avoid valve replacement.

Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 regulates neutrophil extracellular traps formation and delays resolution of neutrophil-driven sterile inflammation

The formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) is a process releasing into the extracellular space networks of chromatin fibers decorated with granular proteins. It is implicated in infection-related as well as sterile inflammation. Monosodium urate (MSU) crystals serve as damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) in various conditions of disease. Formation of NETs or aggregated NETs (aggNETs) orchestrates initiation and resolution of MSU crystals-triggered inflammation, respectively. Elevated intracellular calcium levels and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are crucial for the formation of MSU crystal-induced NETs. However, the exact signaling pathways involved are still elusive. Herein, we demonstrate that the ROS-sensing, non-selective calcium-permeable channel transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 2 (TRPM2) is required for a full-blown MSU crystal-induced NET formation. Primary neutrophils from TRPM2^-/- mice showed reduced calcium influx and ROS production and, consequently a reduced formation of MSU crystal-induced NETs and aggNETs. Furthermore, in TRPM2^-/- mice the infiltration of inflammatory cells into infected tissues and their production of inflammatory mediators was suppressed. Taken together these results describe an inflammatory role of TRPM2 for neutrophil-driven inflammation and identify TRPM2 as potential target for therapeutic intervention.

The role of transient receptor potential channels in metastasis

Metastasis is the hallmark of failed tumor treatment and is typically associated with death due to cancer. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels affect changes in intracellular calcium concentrations and participate at every stage of metastasis. Further, they increase the migratory ability of tumor cells, promote angiogenesis, regulate immune function, and promote the growth of tumor cells through changes in gene expression and function. In this review, we explore the potential mechanisms of action of TRP channels, summarize their role in tumor metastasis, compile inhibitors of TRP channels relevant in tumors, and discuss current challenges in research on TRP channels involved in tumor metastasis.

Expression and functions of transient receptor potential channels in liver diseases

Liver diseases constitute a major healthcare burden globally, including acute hepatic injury resulted from acetaminophen overdose, ischemia-reperfusion or hepatotropic viral infection and chronic hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Attainable treatment strategies for most liver diseases remain inadequate, highlighting the importance of substantial pathogenesis. The transient receptor potential (TRP) channels represent a versatile signalling mechanism regulating fundamental physiological processes in the liver. It is not surprising that liver diseases become a newly explored field to enrich our knowledge of TRP channels. Here, we discuss recent findings revealing TRP functions across the fundamental pathological course from early hepatocellular injury caused by various insults, to inflammation, subsequent fibrosis and hepatoma. We also explore expression levels of TRPs in liver tissues of ALD, NAFLD and HCC patients from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) or The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and survival analysis estimated by Kaplan-Meier Plotter. At last, we address the therapeutical potential and challenges by pharmacologically targeting TRPs to treat liver diseases. The aim is to provide a better understanding of the implications of TRP channels in liver diseases, contributing to the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and efficient drugs.

Expanding the Toolbox: Novel Modulators of Endolysosomal Cation Channels

Functional characterization of endolysosomal ion channels is challenging due to their intracellular location. With recent advances in endolysosomal patch clamp technology, it has become possible to directly measure ion channel currents across endolysosomal membranes. Members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channel family, namely the endolysosomal TRPML channels (TRPML1-3), also called mucolipins, as well as the distantly related two-pore channels (TPCs) have recently been characterized in more detail with endolysosomal patch clamp techniques. However, answers to many physiological questions require work in intact cells or animal models. One major obstacle thereby is that the known endogenous ligands of TRPMLs and TPCs are anionic in nature and thus impermeable for cell membranes. Microinjection, on the other hand, is technically demanding. There is also a risk of losing essential co-factors for channel activation or inhibition in isolated preparations. Therefore, lipophilic, membrane-permeable small-molecule activators and inhibitors for TRPMLs and TPCs are urgently needed. Here, we describe and discuss the currently available small-molecule modulators of TRPMLs and TPCs.

Systemic inflammatory markers in patients with polyneuropathies

Introduction

In patients with peripheral neuropathies (PNP), neuropathic pain is present in 50% of the cases, independent of the etiology. The pathophysiology of pain is poorly understood, and inflammatory processes have been found to be involved in neuro-degeneration, -regeneration and pain. While previous studies have found a local upregulation of inflammatory mediators in patients with PNP, there is a high variability described in the cytokines present systemically in sera and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We hypothesized that the development of PNP and neuropathic pain is associated with enhanced systemic inflammation.

Methods

To test our hypothesis, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the protein, lipid and gene expression of different pro- and anti-inflammatory markers in blood and CSF from patients with PNP and controls.

Results

While we found differences between PNP and controls in specific cytokines or lipids, such as CCL2 or oleoylcarnitine, PNP patients and controls did not present major differences in systemic inflammatory markers in general. IL-10 and CCL2 levels were related to measures of axonal damage and neuropathic pain. Lastly, we describe a strong interaction between inflammation and neurodegeneration at the nerve roots in a specific subgroup of PNP patients with blood-CSF barrier dysfunction.

Conclusion

In patients with PNP systemic inflammatory, markers in blood or CSF do not differ from controls in general, but specific cytokines or lipids do. Our findings further highlight the importance of CSF analysis in patients with peripheral neuropathies.

Wildfire-related PM2.5 and DNA methylation: An Australian twin and family study

BACKGROUND

Wildfire-related fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) has many adverse health impacts, but its impacts on human epigenome are unknown. We aimed to evaluate the associations between long-term exposure to wildfire-related PM_2.5 and blood DNA methylation, and whether the associations differ from those with non-wildfire-related PM_2.5.

METHODS

We studied 479 Australian women comprising 132 twin pairs and 215 of their sisters. Blood-derived DNA methylation was measured using the HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array. Data on 3-year (year of blood collection and previous two years) average wildfire-related and non-wildfire-related PM_2.5 at 0.01°×0.01° spatial resolution were created by combining information from satellite observations, chemical transport models, and ground-based observations. Exposure data were linked to each participant's home address, assuming the address did not change during the exposure window. For DNA methylation of each cytosine-guanine dinucleotide (CpG), and for global DNA methylation represented by the average of all measured CpGs or CpGs in repetitive elements, we evaluated their associations with wildfire- or non-wildfire-related PM_2.5 using a within-sibship analysis controlling for factors shared between siblings and other important covariates. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were defined by comb-p and DMRcate.

RESULTS

The 3-year average wildfire-related PM_2.5 (range: 0.3 to 7.6 µg/m³_, mean: 1.6 µg/m³) was negatively, but not significantly (p-values greater than 0.05) associated with all seven global DNA methylation measures. There were 26 CpGs and 33 DMRs associated with wildfire-related PM_2.5 (Bonferroni adjusted p-value < 0.05) mapped to 47 genes enriched for pathways related to inflammatory regulation and platelet activation. These genes have been related to many human diseases or phenotypes e.g., cancer, mental disorders, diabetes, obesity, asthma, blood pressure. These CpGs, DMRs and enriched pathways did not overlap with the 1 CpG and 7 DMRs associated with non-wildfire-related PM_2.5.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term exposure to wildfire-related PM_2.5 was associated with various blood DNA methylation signatures in Australian women, and these were distinct from those associated with non-wildfire-related PM_2.5.

TRPV4 Activation Increases the Expression of CD207 (Langerin) of Monocyte-Derived Langerhans Cells without Affecting their Maturation

Langerhans cells (LCs) are the sole professional antigen-presenting cell normally found in the human epidermal compartment. Research into their physiological role is hindered by the fact that they are invariably activated during isolation from the skin. To overcome this challenge, we turned to a monocyte-derived LC (moLC) model, which we characterized with RNA sequencing, and compared the transcriptome of moLCs with that of donor-matched immature dendritic cells. We found that moLCs express markers characteristic of LC2 cells as well as TRPV4. TRPV4 is especially important in the skin because it has been linked to the conservation of the skin barrier, immunological responses, as well as acute and chronic itch, but we know little about its function on LCs. Our results show that TRPV4 activation increased the expression of Langerin and led to increased intracellular calcium concentration in moLCs. Regarding the functionality of moLCs, we found that TRPV4 agonism had a mitigating effect on their inflammatory responses because it decreased their cytokine production and T-cell activating capability. Because TRPV4 has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in dermatological conditions, it is important to highlight LCs as, to our knowledge, a previously unreported target of these therapies.

Ion channel regulation of gut immunity

Mounting evidence indicates that gastrointestinal (GI) homeostasis hinges on communications among many cellular networks including the intestinal epithelium, the immune system, and both intrinsic and extrinsic nerves innervating the gut. The GI tract, especially the colon, is the home base for gut microbiome which dynamically regulates immune function. The gut's immune system also provides an effective defense against harmful pathogens entering the GI tract while maintaining immune homeostasis to avoid exaggerated immune reaction to innocuous food and commensal antigens which are important causes of inflammatory disorders such as coeliac disease and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Various ion channels have been detected in multiple cell types throughout the GI tract. By regulating membrane properties and intracellular biochemical signaling, ion channels play a critical role in synchronized signaling among diverse cellular components in the gut that orchestrates the GI immune response. This work focuses on the role of ion channels in immune cells, non-immune resident cells, and neuroimmune interactions in the gut at the steady state and pathological conditions. Understanding the cellular and molecular basis of ion channel signaling in these immune-related pathways and initial testing of pharmacological intervention will facilitate the development of ion channel-based therapeutic approaches for the treatment of intestinal inflammation.

Do Chest Compresses with Mustard or Ginger Affect Warmth Regulation in Healthy Adults? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Chest compresses with mustard (MU) or ginger (GI) are a complementary treatment option for respiratory tract infections. However, little is known about their specific thermogenic qualities. This study examines the short-term effects of MU, GI, and chest compresses with warm water only (WA) on measurable and self-perceived body warmth in healthy adults.

Methods

This was a single-center, randomized controlled trial with cross-over design (WA versus MU versus GI). 18 participants (23.7 ± 3.4 years; 66.7% female) received MU, GI, and WA in a random order on three different days with a mean washout period of 13.9 days. Chest compresses were applied to the thoracic back for a maximum of 20 minutes. The primary outcome measure was skin temperature of the posterior trunk (measured by infrared thermography) immediately following removal of the compresses (t1). Secondary outcome measures included skin temperature of the posterior trunk 10 minutes later (t2) and several parameters of self-perceived warmth at t1 and t2 (assessed with the Herdecke Warmth Perception Questionnaire).

Results

Skin temperature of the posterior trunk was significantly higher with MU compared to WA and GI at t1 (p < 0.001 for both, primary outcome measure) and t2 (WA versus MU: p=0.04, MU versus GI: p < 0.01). Self-perceived warmth of the posterior trunk was higher with MU and GI compared to WA at t1 (1.40 ≥ d ≥ 1.79) and remained higher with GI at t2 (WA versus GI: d = 0.74). The overall warmth perception increased significantly with GI (d = 0.69), tended to increase with MU (d = 0.54), and did not change with WA (d = 0.36) between t0 and t1.

Conclusions

Different effects on warmth regulation were observed when ginger and mustard were applied as chest compresses. Both substances induced self-perceived warming of the posterior trunk, but measurable skin temperature increased only with MU. Further research is needed to examine the duration of these thermogenic effects and how chest compresses with ginger or mustard might be incorporated into practice to influence clinical outcomes in respiratory tract infections.

TRP Family Genes Are Differently Expressed and Correlated with Immune Response in Glioma

(1) Background: glioma is the most prevalent primary tumor of the human central nervous system and accompanies extremely poor prognosis in patients. The transient receptor potential (TRP) channels family consists of six different families, which are closely associated with cancer cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and invasion. TRP family genes play an essential role in the development of tumors. Nevertheless, the function of these genes in gliomas is not fully understood. (2) Methods: we analyze the gene expression data of 28 TRP family genes in glioma patients through bioinformatic analysis. (3) Results: the study showed the aberrations of TRP family genes were correlated to prognosis in glioma. Then, we set enrichment analysis and selected 10 hub genes that may play an important role in glioma. Meanwhile, the expression of 10 hub genes was further established according to different grades, survival time, IDH mutation status, and 1p/19q codeletion status. We found that TRPC1, TRPC3, TRPC4, TRPC5, TRPC6, MCOLN1, MCOLN2, and MCOLN3 were significantly correlated to the prognosis in glioma patients. Furthermore, we illustrated that the expression of hub genes was associated with immune activation and immunoregulators (immunoinhibitors, immunostimulators, and MHC molecules) in glioma. (4) Conclusions: we proved that TRP family genes are promising immunotherapeutic targets and potential clinical biomarkers in patients with glioma.

Evidence-based Potential Therapeutic Applications of Cannabinoids in Wound Management

BACKGROUND

Although wound management is a major component of all domains of healthcare, conventional therapeutics have numerous limitations. The endocannabinoid system of the skin, one of the major endogenous systems, has recently been connected to wound healing. Cannabinoids and their interactions with the endogenous chemical signaling system may be a promising therapeutic option because they address some of the fundamental pathways for physiologic derangement that underpin chronic integumentary wounds.

RECENT ADVANCES

The therapeutic applications of cannabinoids are increasing because of their legalization and resulting market expansion. Recently, their immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties have been explored for the treatment of wounds that are not effectively managed by conventional medicines.

CRITICAL ISSUES

Failure to manage wounds effectively is associated with reduced quality of life, disability, mortality, and increased healthcare expenditures. Therapeutic options that can manage wounds effectively and efficiently are needed. In this review, the authors summarize recent advances on the use of cannabinoids to treat skin disorders with an emphasis on wound management.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Effective wound management requires medicines with good therapeutic outcomes and minimal adverse effects. Despite the promising results of cannabinoids in wound management, further controlled clinical studies are required to establish the definitive role of these compounds in the pathophysiology of wounds and their usefulness in the clinical setting.

Identification of TRP-Related Subtypes, Development of a Prognostic Model, and Characterization of Tumor Microenvironment Infiltration in Lung Adenocarcinoma

The TRP (transient receptor potential) superfamily, as cation channels, is a critical chemosensor for potentially harmful irritants. Their activation is closely related not only to tumor progression and prognosis but also to tumor therapy response. Nevertheless, the TRP-related immune gene (TRIG) expression of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the associations with prognosis remain unclear. First, we represented the transcriptional and genetic variations in TRIGs in 535 lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) samples as well as their expression patterns. LUAD samples were divided into two distinct subtypes based on the TRIG variations. Significant differences had been found in prognosis, clinical features, and TME cell-infiltration features between the two subtypes of patients. Second, we framed a TRIG score for predicting overall survival (OS) and validated the predictive capability of the TRIG score in LUAD patients. Accordingly, to enhance the clinical applicability of TRIG score, we developed a considerable nomogram. A low TRIG score, characterized by increased immunity activation, indicated favorable advantages of OS compared with a high TRIG score. Furthermore, the TRIG score was found to have a significant connection with the TME cell-infiltration and immune checkpoint expressions. Our analysis of TRIGs in LUAD showed their potential roles in prognosis, clinical features, and tumor-immune microenvironments. These results may advance our knowledge of TRP genes in LUAD and show a new light on prognosis estimation and the improvement of immunotherapy strategies.

Are TRPA1 and TRPV1 channel-mediated signalling cascades involved in UVB radiation-induced sunburn?

Burn injuries are underappreciated injuries associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation has dramatic clinical effects in humans and is a significant public health concern. Although the mechanisms underlying UVB exposure are not fully understood, many studies have made substantial progress in the pathophysiology of sunburn in terms of its molecular aspects in the last few years. It is well established that the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), and vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels modulate the inflammatory, oxidative, and proliferative processes underlying UVB radiation exposure. However, it is still unknown which mechanisms underlying TRPV1/A1 channel activation are elicited in sunburn induced by UVB radiation. Therefore, in this review, we give an overview of the TRPV1/A1 channel-mediated signalling cascades that may be involved in the pathophysiology of sunburn induced by UVB radiation. These data will undoubtedly help to explain the various features of sunburn and contribute to the development of novel therapeutic approaches to better treat it.

Comprehensive network medicine-based drug repositioning via integration of therapeutic efficacy and side effects

Despite advances in modern medicine that led to improvements in cardiovascular outcomes, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally. Thus, there is an urgent need for new approaches to improve CVD drug treatments. As the development time and cost of drug discovery to clinical application are excessive, alternate strategies for drug development are warranted. Among these are included computational approaches based on omics data for drug repositioning, which have attracted increasing attention. In this work, we developed an adjusted similarity measure implemented by the algorithm SAveRUNNER to reposition drugs for cardiovascular diseases while, at the same time, considering the side effects of drug candidates. We analyzed nine cardiovascular disorders and two side effects. We formulated both disease disorders and side effects as network modules in the human interactome, and considered those drug candidates that are proximal to disease modules but far from side-effects modules as ideal. Our method provides a list of drug candidates for cardiovascular diseases that are unlikely to produce common, adverse side-effects. This approach incorporating side effects is applicable to other diseases, as well.

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.

Transcriptomic and Network Analyses Reveal Immune Modulation by Endocannabinoids in Approach/Avoidance Traits

Approach and avoidance (A/A) tendencies are stable behavioral traits in responding to rewarding and fearful stimuli. They represent the superordinate division of emotion, and individual differences in such traits are associated with disease susceptibility. The neural circuitry underlying A/A traits is retained to be the cortico-limbic pathway including the amygdala, the central hub for the emotional processing. Furthermore, A/A-specific individual differences are associated with the activity of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and especially of CB1 receptors whose density and functionality in amygdala differ according to A/A traits. ECS markedly interacts with the immune system (IS). However, how the interplay between ECS and IS is associated with A/A individual differences is still ill-defined. To fill this gap, here we analyzed the interaction between the gene expression of ECS and immune system (IS) in relation to individual differences. To unveil the deep architecture of ECS-IS interaction, we performed cell-specific transcriptomics analysis. Differential gene expression profiling, functional enrichment, and protein–protein interaction network analyses were performed in amygdala pyramidal neurons of mice showing different A/A behavioral tendencies. Several altered pro-inflammatory pathways were identified as associated with individual differences in A/A traits, indicating the chronic activation of the adaptive immune response sustained by the interplay between endocannabinoids and the IS. Furthermore, results showed that the interaction between the two systems modulates synaptic plasticity and neuronal metabolism in individual difference-specific manner. Deepening our knowledge about ECS/IS interaction may provide useful targets for treatment and prevention of psychopathology associated with A/A traits.

Deciphering the Interactions of SARS-CoV-2 Proteins with Human Ion Channels Using Machine-Learning-Based Methods

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is accountable for the protracted COVID-19 pandemic. Its high transmission rate and pathogenicity led to health emergencies and economic crisis. Recent studies pertaining to the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection exhibited the indispensable role of ion channels in viral infection inside the host. Moreover, machine learning (ML)-based algorithms are providing a higher accuracy for host-SARS-CoV-2 protein–protein interactions (PPIs). In this study, PPIs of SARS-CoV-2 proteins with human ion channels (HICs) were trained on the PPI-MetaGO algorithm. PPI networks (PPINs) and a signaling pathway map of HICs with SARS-CoV-2 proteins were generated. Additionally, various U.S. food and drug administration (FDA)-approved drugs interacting with the potential HICs were identified. The PPIs were predicted with 82.71% accuracy, 84.09% precision, 84.09% sensitivity, 0.89 AUC-ROC, 65.17% Matthews correlation coefficient score (MCC) and 84.09% F1 score. Several host pathways were found to be altered, including calcium signaling and taste transduction pathway. Potential HICs could serve as an initial set to the experimentalists for further validation. The study also reinforces the drug repurposing approach for the development of host directed antiviral drugs that may provide a better therapeutic management strategy for infection caused by SARS-CoV-2.

Dynamic evolution of transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) ion channel family with numerous gene duplications and losses

The transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) ion channel family is involved in multiple sensory and physiological functions including thermosensing and temperature-dependent neuroendocrine regulation. The objective of the present study was to investigate the number, origin and evolution of TRPV genes in metazoans, with special focus on the impact of the vertebrate whole-genome duplications (WGD). Gene searches followed by phylogenetic and synteny analyses revealed multiple previously undescribed TRPV genes. The common ancestor of Cnidaria and Bilateria had three TRPV genes that became four in the deuterostome ancestor. Two of these were lost in the vertebrate ancestor. The remaining two genes gave rise to two TRPV subfamilies in vertebrates, consisting of subtypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 9 and 5, 6, 7, 8, respectively. This gene expansion resulted from the two basal vertebrate WGD events (1R and 2R) and three local duplications before the radiation of gnathostomes. TRPV1, 4 and 5 have been retained in all gnathostomes investigated, presumably reflecting important functions. TRPV7 and 8 have been lost independently in various lineages but are still retained in cyclostomes, actinistians (coelacanth), amphibians, prototherians and basal actinopterygians (Polypteridae). TRPV3 and 9 are present in extant elasmobranchs, while TRPV9 was lost in the osteichthyan ancestor and TRPV3 in the actinopterygian ancestor. The coelacanth has retained the ancestral osteichthyan repertoire of TRPV1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8. TRPV2 arose in the tetrapod ancestor. Duplications of TRPV5 occurred independently in various lineages, such as cyclostomes, chondrichthyans, anuran amphibians, sauropsids, mammals (where the duplicate is called TRPV6), and actinopterygians (Polypteridae and Esocidae). After the teleost-specific WGD (3R) only TRPV1 retained its duplicate, whereas TRPV4 and 5 remained as single genes. Both 3R-paralogs of TRPV1 were kept in some teleost species, while one paralog was lost in others. The salmonid-specific WGD (4R) duplicated TRPV1, 4, and 5 leading to six TRPV genes. The largest number was found in Xenopus tropicalis with no less than 15 TRPV genes. This study provides a comprehensive evolutionary scenario for the vertebrate TRPV family, revealing additional TRPV types and proposing a phylogeny-based classification of TRPV across metazoans.

Selective activation of TRPA1 ion channels by nitrobenzene skin sensitizers DNFB and DNCB

2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) and 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) are well known as skin sensitizers that can cause dermatitis. DNFB has shown to more potently sensitize skin; however, how DNFB and DNCB cause skin inflammation at a molecular level and why this difference in their sensitization ability is observed remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to identify the molecular targets and mechanisms on which DNFB and DNCB act. We used a fluorescent calcium imaging plate reader in an initial screening assay before patch-clamp recordings for validation. Molecular docking in combination with site-directed mutagenesis was then carried out to investigate DNFB and DNCB binding sites in the TRPA1 ion channel that may be selectively activated by these tow sensitizers. We found that DNFB and DNCB selectively activated TRPA1 channel with EC₅₀ values of 2.3 ± 0.7 μM μM and 42.4 ± 20.9 μM, respectively. Single-channel recordings revealed that DNFB and DNCB increase the probability of channel opening and acts on three residues (C621, E625 and Y658) critical for TRPA1 activation. Our findings may not only help explain the molecular mechanism underlying the dermatitis and pruritus caused by chemicals like DNFB and DNCB, but also provide a molecular tool 7.5-fold more potent than the current TRPA1 activator allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) used for investigating TRPA1 channel pharmacology and pathology.

WAO-ARIA consensus on chronic cough - Part 1: Role of TRP channels in neurogenic inflammation of cough neuronal pathways

BACKGROUND

Cough features a complex peripheral and central neuronal network. The function of the chemosensitive and stretch (afferent) cough receptors is well described but partly understood. It is speculated that chronic cough reflects a neurogenic inflammation of the cough reflex, which becomes hypersensitive. This is mediated by neuromediators, cytokines, inflammatory cells, and a differential expression of neuronal (chemo/stretch) receptors, such as transient receptor potential (TRP) and purinergic P2X ion channels; yet the overall interaction of these mediators in neurogenic inflammation of cough pathways remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

The World Allergy Organization/Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (WAO/ARIA) Joint Committee on Chronic Cough reviewed the current literature on neuroanatomy and pathophysiology of chronic cough. The role of TRP ion channels in pathogenic mechanisms of the hypersensitive cough reflex was also examined.

OUTCOMES

Chemoreceptors are better studied in cough neuronal pathways compared to stretch receptors, likely due to their anatomical overabundance in the respiratory tract, but also their distinctive functional properties. Central pathways are important in suppressive mechanisms and behavioral/affective aspects of chronic cough. Current evidence strongly suggests neurogenic inflammation induces a hypersensitive cough reflex marked by increased expression of neuromediators, mast cells, and eosinophils, among others. TRP ion channels, mainly TRP V1/A1, are important in the pathogenesis of chronic cough due to their role in mediating chemosensitivity to various endogenous and exogenous triggers, as well as a crosstalk between neurogenic and inflammatory pathways in cough-associated airways diseases.

Resolving macrophage polarization through distinct Ca2+ entry channel that maintains intracellular signaling and mitochondrial bioenergetics

Transformation of naive macrophages into classically (M1) or alternatively (M2) activated macrophages regulates the inflammatory response. Here, we identified that distinct Ca2+ entry channels determine the IFNγ-induced M1 or IL-4-induced M2 transition. Naive or M2 macrophages exhibit a robust Ca2+ entry that was dependent on Orai1 channels, whereas the M1 phenotype showed a non-selective TRPC1 current. Blockade of Ca2+ entry suppresses pNF-κB/pJNK/STAT1 or STAT6 signaling events and consequently lowers cytokine production that is essential for M1 or M2 functions. Of importance, LPS stimulation shifted M2 cells from Orai1 toward TRPC1-mediated Ca2+ entry and TRPC1-/- mice exhibited transcriptional changes that suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines. In contrast, Orai1-/- macrophages showed a decrease in anti-inflammatory cytokines and exhibited a suppression of mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate and inhibited mitochondrial shape transition specifically in the M2 cells. Finally, alterations in TRPC1 or Orai1 expression determine macrophage polarization suggesting a distinct role of Ca2+ channels in modulating macrophage transformation.

Identification and characterization of Trpm4 gene involved in regulating Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) inflammatory response

The transient receptor potential (TRP) melastatin 4 (TRPM4) is a widely expressed Ca²⁺ -impermeable cation channel involved in modulating inflammatory and immune responses in mammals. However, the role of TRPM4 channel in fish immunity remains unclear. In this report, from a comparative immunological point of view, we identified and characterized a Trpm4 gene from Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) and analysed its potential role in regulating the fish inflammatory response. The Japanese flounder Trpm4 gene is expressed in a wide range of tissues and encodes a 1264-amino acid protein which expresses on the cell surface and shares several conserved domains with its mammalian counterparts. In vitro inflammatory challenge and in vivo bacterial infection experiments revealed that Japanese flounder Trpm4 expression was significantly modulated following different immune challenges, indicating the implication of Trpm4 in the fish immune response. Overexpression of TRPM4 significantly attenuated LPS- and poly(I:C)-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in Japanese flounder FG-9307 cells. In contrast, pharmacological inhibition of the endogenous TRPM4 channel activity in Japanese flounder head kidney macrophages resulted in increased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression following LPS and poly(I:C) stimulations. Taken together, these findings indicate that TRPM4 channels may play a conserved role in regulating inflammatory response(s) in fish.