Possible involvement of TRPM2 activation in 5-fluorouracil-induced myelosuppression in mice

Masaaki Ishibashi1, Masakazu Ishii1, Shinichiro Yamamoto2

  • 1Division of Physiology and Pathology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teikyo Heisei University, Nakano, Tokyo, 164-8530, Japan; Division of Physiology and Pathology, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, Showa University School of Pharmacy, Shinagawa, Tokyo, 142-8555, Japan.

Insights

Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channels are activated by 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), contributing to chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression. Blocking TRPM2 alleviates 5-FU

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) is an oxidative stress-sensitive calcium channel.
  • 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an anticancer drug known to cause myelosuppression, partly via oxidative stress.
  • Bone marrow cells express TRPM2, suggesting its potential role in 5-FU's adverse effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the involvement of TRPM2 in 5-FU-induced myelosuppression.
  • To determine if 5-FU activates TRPM2 channels.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed 5-FU effects on H2O2-induced intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) increases in TRPM2-expressing HEK cells and wild-type (WT) vs. Trpm2 knockout (KO) mouse bone marrow cells.
  • Utilized CFU-GM colony assays to evaluate 5-FU's impact on bone marrow progenitor cells.
  • Administered 5-FU to WT and Trpm2 KO mice to assess in vivo myelosuppression by monitoring leukocyte counts.

Main Results:

  • 5-FU enhanced H2O2-induced [Ca2+]i increases in TRPM2-expressing cells, indicating TRPM2 activation by 5-FU.
  • This enhancement was absent in non-TRPM2 expressing cells and in bone marrow cells from Trpm2 KO mice.
  • Trpm2 deficiency alleviated 5-FU-induced reduction in CFU-GM colonies and mitigated leukopenia in vivo.

Conclusions:

  • TRPM2 activation by 5-FU contributes to chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression.
  • Targeting TRPM2 may offer a strategy to reduce 5-FU's adverse effects on bone marrow.
  • TRPM2 plays a significant role in the bone marrow toxicity of 5-FU.

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