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Updated: Aug 8, 2025

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of Ion Channels in Cancer: Characterization and Potential Treatment Approaches
06:19

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

Published on: June 16, 2023

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On the modulation of TRPM channels: Current perspectives and anticancer therapeutic implications

Tania Ciaglia1, Vincenzo Vestuto1, Alessia Bertamino1

  • 1Dipartimento di Farmacia (DIFARMA), Università degli Studi di Salerno, Fisciano, Italy.

Frontiers in Oncology
|February 27, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) channels are crucial for cell signaling and ion balance. Their abnormal expression in cancer suggests TRPM channels are promising therapeutic targets for oncology treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Cell Physiology

Background:

  • Transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) channels are vital cellular sensors regulating ion homeostasis and signal transduction.
  • Aberrant TRPM channel expression is linked to various solid malignancies, influencing cancer cell proliferation, survival, and death.
  • TRPM channels play roles in tumor progression via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), autophagy, and metabolic reprogramming.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the characteristics of TRPM channels.
  • To elucidate the connection between TRPM channels and key cancer features.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of TRPM modulators in oncology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of current research on TRPM channels in cancer.
  • Analysis of TRPM channel involvement in cancer hallmarks like EMT, autophagy, and metabolism.
  • Examination of TRPM modulators in preclinical and clinical studies.

Main Results:

  • TRPM channels are implicated in fundamental cancer processes, including growth, survival, and metastasis.
  • Evidence supports TRPM channels as potential molecular targets for cancer therapy.
  • TRPM modulators are being investigated as novel anti-cancer agents.

Conclusions:

  • TRPM channels represent a significant area of research in oncology.
  • Modulating TRPM channel activity offers a potential innovative therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
  • Further investigation into TRPM channels and their modulators is warranted for clinical application in oncology.
Keywords:
TRPM channelsautophagycancercell proliferationmodulators

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