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Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of Ion Channels in Cancer: Characterization and Potential Treatment Approaches
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Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of Ion Channels in Cancer: Characterization and Potential Treatment Approaches

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The oncogenic roles of TRPM ion channels in cancer

Kah Keng Wong1, Alison H Banham2, Nik Soriani Yaacob3

  • 1Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Journal of Cellular Physiology
|February 3, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) channels are implicated as oncogenes in various cancers. This review details their roles in cancer progression and potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Ion channel biology
  • Molecular oncology
  • Cancer research

Background:

  • Transient receptor potential (TRP) proteins are crucial ion channels regulating cellular responses.
  • The TRPM (melastatin) subfamily comprises eight members controlling cation fluxes (K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+).
  • Emerging evidence links TRPM channels and their associated noncoding RNAs to oncogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on TRPM channels in human malignancies.
  • To elucidate the functions and mechanisms of TRPM channels in cancer.
  • To summarize physiological roles and pharmacological inhibitors of TRPM channels.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on TRPM channels in cancer.
  • Analysis of TRPM channel functions, mechanisms, and signaling pathways in malignancies.
  • Compilation of data on TRPM channel physiological roles and therapeutic agents.

Main Results:

  • TRPM channels are implicated as oncogenes in cancer cell growth, proliferation, autophagy, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
  • Dysregulation of TRPM channels is associated with poor clinical outcomes in cancer patients.
  • TRPM channels play significant roles in various types of cancer.

Conclusions:

  • TRPM channels are critical regulators in cancer development and progression.
  • Understanding TRPM channel functions offers potential for novel cancer therapies.
  • TRPM channel inhibitors represent a promising avenue for clinical intervention.
Keywords:
TRPMisoformslncRNAoncogenes

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