Zinc-induced neurotoxicity mediated by transient receptor potential melastatin 7 channels

Transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) channels are novel Ca(2+)-permeable non-selective cation channels ubiquitously expressed. Activation of TRPM7 channels has been shown to be involved in cellular Mg(2+) homeostasis, diseases caused by abnormal magnesium absorption, and in Ca(2+)-mediated neuronal injury under ischemic conditions. Here we show strong evidence suggesting that TRPM7 channels also play an important role in cellular Zn(2+) homeostasis and in Zn(2+)-mediated neuronal injury. Using a combination of fluorescent Zn(2+) imaging, small interfering RNA, pharmacological analysis, and cell injury assays, we show that activation of TRPM7 channels augmented Zn(2+)-induced injury of cultured mouse cortical neurons. The Zn(2+)-mediated neurotoxicity was inhibited by nonspecific TRPM7 blockers Gd(3+) or 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, and by knockdown of TRPM7 channels with small interfering RNA. In addition, Zn(2+)-mediated neuronal injury under oxygen-glucose deprivation conditions was also diminished by silencing TRPM7. Furthermore, we show that overexpression of TRPM7 channels in HEK293 cells increased intracellular Zn(2+) accumulation and Zn(2+)-induced cell injury, while silencing TRPM7 by small interfering RNA attenuated the Zn(2+)-mediated cell toxicity. Thus, TRPM7 channels may represent a novel target for neurological disorders where Zn(2+) toxicity plays an important role.