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Updated: May 17, 2026

LPS and ATP-induced Death of PMA-differentiated THP-1 Macrophages and its Validation
Published on: May 3, 2024
Transient receptor potential melastatin 4 and cell death.
J Marc Simard1, S Kyoon Woo, Volodymyr Gerzanich
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201-1595, USA. msimard@smail.umaryland.edu
Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 4 (TRPM4) channels are key in accidental necrosis, a cell death process. Unchecked TRPM4 activation leads to cell rupture, particularly in ATP-depleted cells.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Physiology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Cell death occurs via distinct subroutines like apoptosis and necrosis.
- Accidental necrosis, unlike regulated necrosis, lacks death receptor signaling but shares the oncosis process.
- Oncosis involves Na+ influx and cell swelling, crucial for necrotic cell features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence for Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 4 (TRPM4) involvement in the cell death process of oncosis.
- To explore TRPM4's role as a potential executioner in accidental necrosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of emerging evidence on TRPM4 function in cell death.
- Analysis of TRPM4 regulation by intracellular ATP and Ca(2+) during necrosis.
- Examination of TRPM4's role in Na+ influx and cell volume changes.
Main Results:
- TRPM4 regulators (ATP, Ca2+) are altered during necrosis, favoring TRPM4 channel opening.
- Unchecked TRPM4 activation causes Na+ overload, cell swelling, blebbing, and membrane rupture.
- TRPM4 acts as an executioner in accidental necrotic death of endothelial and epithelial cells.
Conclusions:
- TRPM4 plays a critical role in the oncosis process during accidental necrosis.
- TRPM4 channel activity is essential for the membrane rupture characteristic of necrotic cell death.
- Further research is needed to ascertain TRPM4's role in regulated necrosis and apoptosis.
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