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15 pages, 842 KB  
Review
Neuroimmune Regulation by TRPM2 Channels
by Xuming Zhang and Mitali Malhotra
Cells 2026, 15(1), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15010076 - 1 Jan 2026
Viewed by 462
Abstract
Mutual interaction between the nervous and immune systems underpins many pathophysiological processes. Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channels are abundantly expressed in both systems, acting as a critical interface of neuroimmune interaction. TRPM2 channels in immune cells participate in innate immunity and [...] Read more.
Mutual interaction between the nervous and immune systems underpins many pathophysiological processes. Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channels are abundantly expressed in both systems, acting as a critical interface of neuroimmune interaction. TRPM2 channels in immune cells participate in innate immunity and immune inflammation by acting as an oxidative stress and metabolic sensor. TRPM2 in neurons functions not only as an oxidative sensor but also a temperature sensor and a pain transducer critical to neuronal death, temperature sensing, thermoregulation, and chronic pain. Cooperation between immune and neuronal TRPM2 influences the outcome of neuroimmune interaction and many diseases such as infection, inflammation, ischemic stroke, pain, and neurodegenerative diseases. Improved understanding of neuronal and immune TRPM2 interaction is essential for therapeutic interventions for the treatment of diseases mediated by TRPM2 channels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) Channels and Health and Disease)
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25 pages, 7503 KB  
Article
Naringin Mitigates PEDV-Induced Intestinal Damage in Suckling Piglets by Modulating Inflammatory, Antiviral, and Metabolic and Transport Pathways
by Yanyan Zhang, Muzi Li, Zongyun Li, Zhonghua Li, Lei Wang, Di Zhao, Tao Wu, Dan Yi and Yongqing Hou
Biomolecules 2026, 16(1), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16010048 - 28 Dec 2025
Viewed by 328
Abstract
This study evaluated the protective effects of naringin (NG) against intestinal injury in 7-day-old piglets infected with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). Eighteen piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Large, body weight = 2.58 ± 0.05 kg) were divided into three treatment groups based [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the protective effects of naringin (NG) against intestinal injury in 7-day-old piglets infected with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). Eighteen piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Large, body weight = 2.58 ± 0.05 kg) were divided into three treatment groups based on similar body weights and equal numbers of males and females: the blank control group (CON group), the PEDV infection group (PEDV group), and the NG intervention + PEDV infection group (NG + PEDV group) (n = 6 per group). The experiment lasted for 11 days, comprising a pre-feeding period from days 0 to 3 and a formal experimental period from days 4 to 10. On days 4–10 of the experiment, piglets in the NG + PEDV group were orally administered NG (10 mg/kg). On Day 8 of the experiment, piglets in the PEDV and NG + PEDV groups were inoculated with PEDV (3 mL, 106 50% tissue culture infective dose (TCID50) per milliliter). On day 11 of the experiment, piglets were euthanized for sample collection. PEDV infection caused significant intestinal damage, including a decreased (p < 0.05) villus height in the duodenum and ileum and an increased (p < 0.05) crypt depth in all intestinal segments. This intestinal damage was accompanied by an impaired absorptive function, as indicated by reduced (p < 0.05) serum D-xylose. Further results showed that PEDV compromised the intestinal antioxidant capacity by decreasing (p < 0.05) glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities, and it stimulated the intestinal inflammatory response by upregulating (p < 0.05) the expression of key inflammatory genes, including regenerating family member 3 gamma (REG3G; duodenum, jejunum, colon), S100 calcium binding protein A9 (S100A9; ileum, colon), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β; ileum, colon), and S100 calcium binding protein A8 (S100A8; colon). PEDV also suppressed the intestinal lipid metabolism pathway by downregulating (p < 0.05) the ileal expression of Solute Carrier Family 27 Member 4 (SLC27A4), Microsomal Triglyceride Transfer Protein (MTTP), Apolipoprotein A4 (APOA4), Apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3), Diacylglycerol O-Acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1), and Cytochrome P450 Family 2 Subfamily J Member 34 (CYP2J34). Moreover, PEDV suppressed the intestinal antiviral ability by downregulating (p < 0.05) interferon (IFN) signaling pathway genes, including MX dynamin like GTPase 1 (MX1) and ISG15 ubiquitin like modifier (ISG15) in the duodenum; weakened intestinal water and ion transport by downregulating (p < 0.05) aquaporin 10 (AQP10) and potassium inwardly rectifying channel subfamily J member 13 (KCNJ13) in the duodenum, aquaporin 7 (AQP7) and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 6 (TRPV6) in the ileum, and TRPV6 and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 6 (TRPM6) in the colon; and inhibited intestinal digestive and absorptive function by downregulating (p < 0.05) phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) in the duodenum and sucrase-isomaltase (SI) in the ileum. Notably, NG effectively counteracted these detrimental effects. Moreover, NG activated the IFN signaling pathway in the jejunum and suppressed PEDV replication in the colon. In conclusion, NG alleviates PEDV-induced intestinal injury by enhancing the antioxidant capacity, suppressing inflammation, normalizing the expression of metabolic and transport genes, and improving the antiviral ability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural and Bio-derived Molecules)
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39 pages, 2194 KB  
Review
Tooth Pulp Afferents and Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) Ion Channels as Key Regulators of Pulp Homeostasis, Inflammation, and Pain
by Man-Kyo Chung, Swarnalakshmi Raman and Arpad Szallasi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 182; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010182 - 23 Dec 2025
Viewed by 506
Abstract
Dental pain often arises from the compromised integrity of the tooth pulp due to dental injury or caries. The dentin–pulp complex has long been considered to be central to the unique biology of dental pain. Most trigeminal ganglion afferents projecting into tooth pulp [...] Read more.
Dental pain often arises from the compromised integrity of the tooth pulp due to dental injury or caries. The dentin–pulp complex has long been considered to be central to the unique biology of dental pain. Most trigeminal ganglion afferents projecting into tooth pulp are myelinated neurons, which lose their myelination at the site of peripheral dentin innervation. The pulpal afferents likely combine multiple internal and external stimuli to mediate nociception and maintain pulp homeostasis. Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels in neurons and odontoblasts, along with mechanosensitive ion channels such as Piezo, form a key molecular hub for pulpal nociception by sensing thermal, chemical, and hydrodynamic stimuli. Among these, TRP vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) mediates nociception and the release of calcitonin-gene-related peptides (CGRPs), while TRP canonical 5 (TRPC5) mediates cold pain. TRP melastatin 8 (TRPM8) mediates the transduction of hyperosmotic stimuli. Pulpitis elevates endogenous TRPV1 and TRPA1 agonists, while inflammatory mediators sensitize TRP channels, amplifying pain. CGRP recruits immune cells and promotes bacterial clearance and reparative dentinogenesis, yet the roles of TRP channels in these processes remain unclear. Future studies should use advanced multi-omics and in vivo or organotypic models in animal and human teeth to define TRP channel contributions to pain, immune responses, and regeneration. Understanding neuronal and non-neuronal TRP channel interactions and their integration with other ion channels may enable novel analgesic and regenerative strategies in dentistry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue TRP Channels for Pain, Itch and Inflammation Relief: 2nd Edition)
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21 pages, 4907 KB  
Article
Atrial TRPM2 Channel-Mediated Ca2+ Influx Regulates ANP Secretion and Protects Against Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy and Fibrosis
by Tomohiro Numata, Hideaki Tagashira, Kaori Sato-Numata, Meredith C Hermosura, Fumiha Abe, Ayako Sakai, Shinichiro Yamamoto and Hiroyuki Watanabe
Cells 2026, 15(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15010024 - 22 Dec 2025
Viewed by 629
Abstract
Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channel is a Ca2+-permeable, redox-activated cardiac ion channel protective in ischemia–reperfusion, but whether it regulates atrial endocrine output under stress is unclear. Here, we investigated whether TRPM2 contributes to the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) response [...] Read more.
Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channel is a Ca2+-permeable, redox-activated cardiac ion channel protective in ischemia–reperfusion, but whether it regulates atrial endocrine output under stress is unclear. Here, we investigated whether TRPM2 contributes to the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) response during β-adrenergic stimulation. We compared how male C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) and TRPM2 knockout (TRPM2−/−) mice (8–12 weeks old) respond to β-adrenergic stress induced by isoproterenol (ISO) using echocardiography, histology, RT-PCR, electrophysiology, Ca2+ imaging, ELISA, and atrial RNA-seq. We detected abundant Trpm2 transcripts in WT atria and measured ADP-ribose (ADPr)-evoked currents and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced Ca2+ influx characteristic of TRPM2; these were absent in TRPM2−/− cells. Under the ISO-induced hypertrophic model, TRPM2−/− mice developed greater cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and systolic dysfunction compared with WT mice. Atrial bulk RNA-seq showed significant induction of Nppa (ANP precursor gene) in WT + ISO, accompanied by higher circulating ANP; TRPM2−/− + ISO showed blunted Nppa and ANP responses. ISO-treated TRPM2−/− mice exhibited more blunt responses, in both Nppa transcripts and circulating ANP levels. Exogenous ANP attenuated ISO-induced dysfunction, hypertrophy, and fibrosis in TRPM2−/− mice, suggesting that TRPM2 is needed for the cardioprotective endocrine response via ANP to control stress-induced β-adrenergic remodeling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insight into Cardiomyopathy)
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31 pages, 1937 KB  
Review
Calcium Homeostasis Machinery in the Human Uterus—A Potential Therapeutic Target in Endometrial Cancer
by Piotr K. Zakrzewski
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(21), 10253; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262110253 - 22 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1090
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is one of the most common malignancies of the female reproductive system, with incidence rising globally due to population ageing and life-style-related risk factors. Calcium (Ca2+) is a ubiquitous second messenger regulating diverse physiological processes, and its dysregulation has [...] Read more.
Endometrial cancer is one of the most common malignancies of the female reproductive system, with incidence rising globally due to population ageing and life-style-related risk factors. Calcium (Ca2+) is a ubiquitous second messenger regulating diverse physiological processes, and its dysregulation has been increasingly implicated in carcinogenesis, including endometrial. Altered expression and function of Ca2+ channels, pumps, exchangers, and binding proteins disrupt the finely tuned balance of Ca2+ influx, efflux, and intracellular storage, leading to aberrant signalling that promotes tumour proliferation, migration, survival, and metastasis. This review summarises current knowledge on the molecular “Ca2+ toolkit” in the human uterus, highlighting the role of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs), transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) components, Na+/Ca2+ exchangers, purinergic receptors, P-type ATPases (SERCA, SPCA, PMCA), ryanodine (RyR) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3R) receptors, and mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) complexes in endometrial cancer progression. Multiple Ca2+-handling proteins, including CACNA1D, CACNA2D1, TRPV4, TRPV1, TRPM4, MCU, and RyR1, exhibit cancer-associated overexpression or functional changes, correlating with poor prognosis and aggressive disease features. Emerging evidence supports the therapeutic potential of targeting Ca2+ homeostasis using small-molecule inhibitors, ion channel modulators or gene-silencing strategies. These interventions may restore Ca2+ balance, induce apoptosis or autophagy, and suppress metastatic behaviour. While no clinical trials have yet explicitly focused on Ca2+ modulation in endometrial cancer, the diversity of dysregulated Ca2+ pathways offers a rich landscape for novel therapeutic strategies. Targeting key components of the Ca2+ signalling network holds promise for improving outcomes in endometrial cancer. Full article
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28 pages, 1894 KB  
Review
The Role of TRP Channels in Colitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review
by Kristina A. Dvornikova, Olga N. Platonova and Elena Y. Bystrova
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(19), 9390; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26199390 - 25 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1600
Abstract
Comprising ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) denotes a series of long-standing, relapsing inflammatory disorders of the digestive tract. There is increasing evidence in the literature indicating that IBD pathogenesis is associated with the dysfunction of ion channels, [...] Read more.
Comprising ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) denotes a series of long-standing, relapsing inflammatory disorders of the digestive tract. There is increasing evidence in the literature indicating that IBD pathogenesis is associated with the dysfunction of ion channels, with Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels being of particular importance. Through this systematic review, the significance of various TRP channel types in the pathogenesis of colitis and IBD will be appraised. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, encompassing original research articles, using the principles of the PRISMA statement (last search: 15 May 2025). The search terms used were “Transient Receptor Potential Channels”, “TRP channels”, “TRPV1”, “TRPA1”, “TRPV4”, “TRPV2”, “TRPM2”, “TRPM3”, “TRPM7”, “TRPM8”, “TRPC3”, “colitis”, “inflammatory bowel disease”, “IBD”, “ulcerative colitis”, “Crohn Disease”. A total of 48 studies met the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was assessed using SYRCLE’s Risk of Bias tool for preclinical studies and the GRADE approach for clinical studies. According to a review of the literature, some TRP channels may exhibit contradictory effects when evaluating pain sensitivity or inflammation, while no conflicting effects have been observed for other TRP channels. Thus, TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels demonstrated opposing effects on pain sensitivity, but TRPV4, TRPM2, TRPM3, and TRPM8 were exclusively linked to elevated pain. Only anti-inflammatory activity was shown for TRPV3, TRPC1, and TRPC6 channels. In contrast, TRPV6, TRPM2, and TRPM3 channels were exclusively associated with a pro-inflammatory role. Concurrently, both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects were manifested for TRPA1, TRPV1, TRPV4, and TRPV5. The literature suggests that these TRP channels exert significant and diverse effects on the pathophysiology of colitis and IBD. Understanding the specific contributions of each TRP channel may pave the way for the development of targeted therapeutic interventions aimed at controlling inflammation and alleviating the symptoms of IBD. This systematic review was funded by the Russian Science Foundation (grant #24-25-00267). Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Biology)
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24 pages, 2956 KB  
Article
Hypergravity Enhances Stretch Sensitivity in Rat Cardiomyocytes via Increased Expression and Activity of Stretch-Activated Channels
by Andre G. Kamkin, Valentin I. Zolotarev, Olga Kamkina, Vadim M. Mitrokhin, Viktor E. Kazansky, Andrey Bilichenko, Anastasia S. Rodina, Alexandra D. Zolotareva and Mitko Mladenov
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(19), 9284; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26199284 - 23 Sep 2025
Viewed by 986
Abstract
Although hypergravity may influence cardiac mechanosensitivity, the effects on specific ion channels remain inadequately understood. This research examined the effects of long-term hypergravity on the functional activity and transcriptional expression of mechanosensitive channels (MSCs) in rat ventricular cardiomyocytes. After 14 days of exposure [...] Read more.
Although hypergravity may influence cardiac mechanosensitivity, the effects on specific ion channels remain inadequately understood. This research examined the effects of long-term hypergravity on the functional activity and transcriptional expression of mechanosensitive channels (MSCs) in rat ventricular cardiomyocytes. After 14 days of exposure to 4g, rats were subjected to molecular and electrophysiological analyses. Significant remodeling of MSC-encoding genes was revealed by RNA-seq. Trpm7 (+41.23%, p = 0.0073) and Trpc1 (+68.23%, p = 0.0026) were significantly upregulated among non-selective cation channels, while Trpv2 (−62.19%, p = 0.0044) and Piezo2 (−57.58%, p = 0.0079) were significantly downregulated. Kcnmb1 (−47.84%, p = 0.0203) was suppressed, whereas Traak/K2P4.1 showed a strong increase (+239.48%, p = 0.0092), among K+-selective MSCs. Furthermore, Kir6.1 was significantly downregulated (−75.8%, p = 0.0085), whereas Kir6.2 was significantly upregulated (+38.58%, p = 0.0317). These results suggest targeted transcriptional reprogramming that suppresses pathways associated with maladaptive Ca2+ influx while enhancing Ca2+-permeable mechanosensitive channels alongside stabilized K+ conductance. At the structural level, cardiomyocytes from hypergravity exposure showed a 44% increase in membrane capacitance, consistent with hypertrophic remodeling, and sarcomere elongation (p < 0.001). Functionally, stretch-activated current (ISAC) was markedly hypersensitive in patch-clamp analysis: currents were induced at very small displacements (1–2 µm) and were significantly larger under 4–10 µm stretch (222–107% of control values). These findings indicate that chronic hypergravity induces coordinated molecular, structural, and functional remodeling of cardiomyocytes, characterized by increased membrane excitability, compensatory stabilizing mechanisms, and enhanced Ca2+ signaling. This demonstrates the flexibility of cardiac mechanotransduction under prolonged gravitational stress, with potential implications for understanding cardiovascular risks, arrhythmias, and hypertrophy associated with altered gravity environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Cardiac Ion Channel Regulation 3.0)
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18 pages, 1641 KB  
Article
The ExPAND Study: A Prospective Association Study into Endometriosis-Associated Pain, Neurosteroid Synthesis, and TRPM3
by Eleonora Persoons, Celine Bafort, Pilar Van Mechelen, Martina Ciprietti, Katrien Luyten, Melissa Benoit, Arne Vanhie, Thomas Voets, Carla Tomassetti and Joris Vriens
Biomolecules 2025, 15(10), 1352; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15101352 - 23 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1139
Abstract
Endometriosis-associated pain has debilitating effects on the quality of life of patients. Despite its high prevalence in reproductive-aged women, the pathophysiology is still unknown, impeding the development of targeted treatment approaches. The prospective ExPAND study proposes the neurosteroids pregnenolone sulphate (PS) and dehydroepiandrosterone [...] Read more.
Endometriosis-associated pain has debilitating effects on the quality of life of patients. Despite its high prevalence in reproductive-aged women, the pathophysiology is still unknown, impeding the development of targeted treatment approaches. The prospective ExPAND study proposes the neurosteroids pregnenolone sulphate (PS) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) as potential contributors to endometriosis-associated pain, due to their agonistic action at the pain-related ion channel TRPM3. To this end, endometrium, deep endometriosis lesions, and peritoneal fluid were prospectively collected in four demarcated patient groups, which were characterised based on their pain symptoms, as scored via the WERF-EPHect questionnaire, i.e., (1) control (n = 44), (2) endometriosis patients with no pain symptoms (n = 24), (3) with only severe dysmenorrhea (n = 54), or (4) with both severe dysmenorrhea and non-cyclic pelvic pain (n = 78). Tissue mRNA expression levels of steroidogenic enzymes were investigated and showed significantly increased levels of CYP17A1 in the endometrium of patients with severe pain symptoms compared to control tissue. In addition, liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was performed to investigate neurosteroid concentrations in the peritoneal fluid. Both neurosteroids PS and DHEAS were present in the peritoneal fluid at concentrations that are known to stimulate TRPM3 activity in vitro. Finally, using microfluorimetric Ca2+ imaging, we demonstrate that both DHEAS and PS stimulate human stem-cell-derived sensory neurons in a TRPM3-dependent manner. Taken together, these data indicate a potential contribution of steroidogenesis and TRPM3 in endometriosis-associated pain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Neuroactive Steroids in Health and Disease: 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 10187 KB  
Article
High-Fat-Diet-Induced Kidney Injury in Rats: The Role of Tart Cherry Supplementation
by Ilenia Martinelli, Proshanta Roy, Vincenzo Bellitto, Maria Vittoria Micioni Di Bonaventura, Carlo Cifani, Seyed Khosrow Tayebati and Daniele Tomassoni
Antioxidants 2025, 14(9), 1102; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14091102 - 10 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1809
Abstract
The kidney plays a crucial role in the complex inter-organ communication that occurs during obesity, leading to the development of oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. Dysfunction of the transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels contributes to this pathophysiology. This study was designed to [...] Read more.
The kidney plays a crucial role in the complex inter-organ communication that occurs during obesity, leading to the development of oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. Dysfunction of the transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels contributes to this pathophysiology. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of antioxidant-rich fruit tart cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) on kidney morphology and protein expression in rats with diet-induced obesity (DIO). Methods include histological staining and immunohistochemical and Western blot assays. Obese rodents were fed with seed powder (DS) and seed powder plus juice (DJS) of the tart cherry. Results demonstrated that rats fed a high-fat-diet (HFD) showed a significant reduction in renal expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) following tart cherry supplementation. Furthermore, the study provided evidence that TRP channels, specifically TRP canonical 1 (TRPC1) and TRP melastatin 2 (TRPM2), were significantly upregulated in obese animals (p < 0.05 vs. CHOW rats) and markedly downregulated following tart cherry supplementation (p < 0.05 vs. DIO rats). In conclusion, these TRP proteins offer new insights for identifying targets and biomarkers for developing therapeutic strategies against HFD-induced renal damage, characterized by glomerulosclerosis, fibrosis, and inflammation. Tart cherries supplementation exerted a protective effect on the kidneys by reducing protein oxidation and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Therapy for Obesity-Related Diseases)
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31 pages, 2506 KB  
Review
Muscarinic Receptor Antagonism and TRPM3 Activation as Stimulators of Mitochondrial Function and Axonal Repair in Diabetic Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy
by Sanjana Chauhan, Nigel A. Calcutt and Paul Fernyhough
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7393; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157393 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1998
Abstract
Diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) is the most prevalent complication of diabetes, affecting nearly half of all persons with diabetes. It is characterized by nerve degeneration, progressive sensory loss and pain, with increased risk of ulceration and amputation. Despite its high prevalence, disease-modifying treatments [...] Read more.
Diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) is the most prevalent complication of diabetes, affecting nearly half of all persons with diabetes. It is characterized by nerve degeneration, progressive sensory loss and pain, with increased risk of ulceration and amputation. Despite its high prevalence, disease-modifying treatments for DSPN do not exist. Mitochondrial dysfunction and Ca2+ dyshomeostasis are key contributors to the pathophysiology of DSPN, disrupting neuronal energy homeostasis and initiating axonal degeneration. Recent findings have demonstrated that antagonism of the muscarinic acetylcholine type 1 receptor (M1R) promotes restoration of mitochondrial function and axon repair in various neuropathies, including DSPN, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and HIV-associated neuropathy. Pirenzepine, a selective M1R antagonist with a well-established safety profile, is currently under clinical investigation for its potential to reverse neuropathy. The transient receptor potential melastatin-3 (TRPM3) channel, a Ca2+-permeable ion channel, has recently emerged as a downstream effector of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) pathways, including M1R. TRPM3 activation enhanced mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and bioenergetics, promoting axonal sprouting. This review highlights mitochondrial and Ca2+ signaling imbalances in DSPN and presents M1R antagonism and TRPM3 activation as promising neuro-regenerative strategies that shift treatment from symptom control to nerve restoration in diabetic and other peripheral neuropathies. Full article
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26 pages, 2661 KB  
Article
Simulated Microgravity Attenuates Stretch Sensitivity of Mechanically Gated Channels in Rat Ventricular Myocytes
by Andrey S. Bilichenko, Alexandra D. Zolotareva, Olga V. Kamkina, Valentin I. Zolotarev, Anastasia S. Rodina, Viktor E. Kazansky, Vadim M. Mitrokhin, Mitko I. Mladenov and Andre G. Kamkin
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(14), 6653; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26146653 - 11 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 890
Abstract
Cardiomyocytes, similarly to cells in various tissues, are responsive to mechanical stress of all types, which is reflected in the significant alterations to their electrophysiological characteristics. This phenomenon, known as mechanoelectric feedback, is based on the work of mechanically gated channels (MGCs) and [...] Read more.
Cardiomyocytes, similarly to cells in various tissues, are responsive to mechanical stress of all types, which is reflected in the significant alterations to their electrophysiological characteristics. This phenomenon, known as mechanoelectric feedback, is based on the work of mechanically gated channels (MGCs) and mechano-sensitive channels (MSCs). Since microgravity (MG) in space, as well as simulated microgravity (SMG), changes the morphological and physiological properties of the heart, it was assumed that this result would be associated with a change in the expression of genes encoding MGCs and MSCs, leading to a change in the synthesis of channel proteins and, ultimately, a change in channel currents during cell stretching. In isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes of rats exposed to SMG for 14 days, the amount of MGCs and MSCs gene transcripts was studied using the RNA sequencing method by normalizing the amount of “raw” reads using the Transcripts Per Kilobase Million (TPM) method. Changes in the level of channel protein, using the example of the MGCs TRPM7, were assessed by the Western blot method, and changes in membrane ion currents in the control and during cardiomyocyte stretching were assessed by the patch-clamp method in the whole-cell configuration. The data obtained demonstrate that SMG results in a multidirectional change in the expression of genes encoding various MGCs and MSCs. At the same time, a decrease in the TPM of the MGCs TRPM7 gene leads to a decrease in the amount of TRPM7 protein. The resulting redistribution in the synthesis of most channel proteins leads to a marked decrease in the sensitivity of the current through MGCs to cell stretching and, ultimately, to a change in the functioning of the heart. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Cardiac Ion Channel Regulation 3.0)
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20 pages, 2636 KB  
Article
Effect of Potassium–Magnesium Sulfate on Intestinal Dissociation and Absorption Rate, Immune Function, and Expression of NLRP3 Inflammasome, Aquaporins and Ion Channels in Weaned Piglets
by Cui Zhu, Kaiyong Huang, Xiaolu Wen, Kaiguo Gao, Xuefen Yang, Zongyong Jiang, Shuting Cao and Li Wang
Animals 2025, 15(12), 1751; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15121751 - 13 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1487
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of potassium magnesium sulfate (PMS) on intestinal dissociation and absorption rate, immune function, and expression of the NOD-like receptor thermal domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, aquaporins (AQPs), and potassium and magnesium ion channels in weaned piglets. Experiment 1 [...] Read more.
This study investigated the effects of potassium magnesium sulfate (PMS) on intestinal dissociation and absorption rate, immune function, and expression of the NOD-like receptor thermal domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, aquaporins (AQPs), and potassium and magnesium ion channels in weaned piglets. Experiment 1 involved the assessment of the dissociation rate of PMS in pig digestive fluid and the absorption rate of PMS in the small intestine using an Ussing chamber in vitro. In Experiment 2, 216 healthy 21-day-old weaned piglets were selected and randomly assigned to six groups (0%, 0.15%, 0.30%, 0.45%, 0.60%, and 0.75% PMS), with each group 6 replicates of six piglets per replicate. The in vitro Ussing chamber results indicated that the absorption of K+ and Mg2+ in the jejunum and ileum was significantly higher than that in the duodenum (p < 0.05). The in vivo study demonstrated that the addition of PMS resulted in a linear increase in serum K+, IgG, and interleukin (IL)-2 levels while simultaneously reducing serum IL-1β levels (p < 0.05). Dietary PMS significantly elevated serum IL-10 and Mg2+ levels in feces (p < 0.05). Furthermore, supplementation with 0.60% or 0.75% PMS significantly downregulated the mRNA expression of NLRP3 in the jejunum (p < 0.05). Dietary PMS supplementation linearly reduced the mRNA expression levels of cysteine protease 1 (Caspase-1) and IL-1β in both the jejunum and colon as well as the mRNA expression levels of two-pore domain channel subfamily K member 5 (KCNK5) in these regions (p < 0.05). Notably, supplementation with 0.15% PMS significantly decreased the mRNA expression of transient receptor potential channel 6 (TRPM6) in the jejunum and significantly increased the expression of TRPM6 in the colon (p < 0.05). Dietary addition of 0.45% and 0.60% PMS significantly increased the mRNA expression of aquaporin 3 (AQP3) in the colon (p < 0.05), whereas 0.75% PMS significantly increased the mRNA expression of aquaporin 8 (AQP8) in both the jejunum and colon. Moreover, the expression levels of AQP3 and AQP8 were significantly negatively correlated with the diarrhea rate observed between days 29 and 42. In conclusion, dietary PMS supplementation improved immune function, inhibited the activation of intestinal NLRP3, and modulated the expression of water and ion channels in weaned piglets, thereby contributing to the maintenance of intestinal water and ion homeostasis, which could potentially alleviate post-weaning diarrhea in piglets. The recommended supplemental level of PMS in the corn-soybean basal diet for weaned piglets is 0.30%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)
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23 pages, 2877 KB  
Article
Ion Channel–Extracellular Matrix Interplay in Colorectal Cancer: A Network-Based Approach to Tumor Microenvironment Remodeling
by Alberta Terzi, Fatima Maqoud, Davide Guido, Domenica Mallardi, Michelangelo Aloisio, Blendi Ura, Nicolò Gualandi, Francesco Russo and Gianluigi Giannelli
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(11), 5147; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26115147 - 27 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1692
Abstract
The progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) is driven by dynamic interactions between tumor cells and their microenvironment, particularly the extracellular matrix (ECM). Ion channels, critical regulators of cellular signaling, have emerged as mediators of ECM remodeling and tumor aggressiveness. In this study, we [...] Read more.
The progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) is driven by dynamic interactions between tumor cells and their microenvironment, particularly the extracellular matrix (ECM). Ion channels, critical regulators of cellular signaling, have emerged as mediators of ECM remodeling and tumor aggressiveness. In this study, we integrate transcriptomic data from 185 CRC tumors and 157 adjacent normal tissues with network modeling to dissect the interplay between ion channels and the ECM. We identified 4036 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 188 ion channel-associated DEGs (IC-DEGs) enriched in ECM-related pathways, such as collagen assembly, matrix metalloproteinase regulation, and mechanotransduction. Structural equation modeling revealed an active CRC−ion channel module (CRC-IC) comprising 482 nodes and 422 edges, highlighting dysregulated interactions between ECM components (e.g., COL1A1, COL5A2, VCAN, LAMA4, LA-MA5, LAMC1), ion channels (e.g., TRPM5 and SLC16A1), and cytoskeletal regulators. Key nodes, including CHST11 and VCAN, were associated with ECM sulfation, tumor invasiveness, and immune evasion. Notably, survival was associated with MAPK1, SLC16A1, and ABCB4 in relation to patient prognosis. Our findings underscore the pivotal role of ion channels as co-factors in ECM dynamics in CRC, offering mechanistic insights into tumor-stroma crosstalk and identifying potential therapeutic targets to disrupt microenvironment-driven progression. Full article
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21 pages, 2163 KB  
Article
Transient Receptor Potential Channels in Prostate Cancer: Associations with ERG Fusions and Survival
by Nirosha J. Murugan, Emma Genautis and Ioannis A. Voutsadakis
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(8), 3639; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26083639 - 11 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1159
Abstract
Calcium movement and concentration in the cell plays significant roles in normal physiology and in diseases such as cancer. The significance of this ion in oncogenesis suggests that membrane-relevant proteins are involved in its regulation and are deregulated in various cancers. These channels [...] Read more.
Calcium movement and concentration in the cell plays significant roles in normal physiology and in diseases such as cancer. The significance of this ion in oncogenesis suggests that membrane-relevant proteins are involved in its regulation and are deregulated in various cancers. These channels and transporters could be targets for therapeutic interventions. An evaluation of the expression of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in prostate cancer was performed using publicly available genomic and proteome data. Two TRP family members with high expression in prostate cancers, TRPML2 and TRPM4, were chosen for further analysis the uncover the associations of their level of expression with clinical and pathologic prostate cancer characteristics. Several TRP channels were expressed in prostate cancers at the protein level including TRPM4, TRPML1, TRPML2, TRPC1 and TRPP3. At the mRNA level, MCOLN2 and TRPM4 were strongly expressed in a sub-set of prostate cancers. Cases with high MCOLN2 mRNA expression were associated with frequent ERG fusions and a trend for better survival outcomes. In contrast, prostate cancer cases with high TRPM4 mRNA expression were associated with lower ERG fusion frequency than cases with low TRPM4 mRNA expression. The prognosis of prostate cancers with high TRPM4 expression was not different from the prognosis with counterparts having low TRPM4 mRNA expression. TRP channels were expressed in sub-sets of prostate cancers. The two well-expressed channels of the super family, TRPML2 and TRPM4, have divergent associations with the most prevalent prostate cancer molecular aberrations, ERG fusions. These results imply diverse regulations of the TRP channels that would have to be taken into consideration when devising therapeutic interventions targeting individual channels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research and Treatment of Prostate Cancer)
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23 pages, 1287 KB  
Review
Can the Tumor Microenvironment Alter Ion Channels? Unraveling Their Role in Cancer
by Rosaria Gentile, Davide Feudi, Luana Sallicandro and Andrea Biagini
Cancers 2025, 17(7), 1244; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17071244 - 6 Apr 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2392
Abstract
Neoplastic cells are characterized by metabolic reprogramming, known as the Warburg effect, in which glucose metabolism is predominantly directed toward aerobic glycolysis, with reduced mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and increased lactate production even in the presence of oxygen. This phenomenon provides cancer cells with [...] Read more.
Neoplastic cells are characterized by metabolic reprogramming, known as the Warburg effect, in which glucose metabolism is predominantly directed toward aerobic glycolysis, with reduced mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and increased lactate production even in the presence of oxygen. This phenomenon provides cancer cells with a proliferative advantage, allowing them to rapidly produce energy (in the form of ATP) and generate metabolic intermediates necessary for the biosynthesis of macromolecules essential for cell growth. It is important to understand the role of ion channels in the tumor context since they participate in various physiological processes and in the regulation of the tumor microenvironment. These changes may contribute to the development and transformation of cancer cells, as well as affect the communication between cells and the surrounding microenvironment, including impaired or altered expression and functionality of ion channels. Therefore, the aim of this review is to elucidate the impact of the tumor microenvironment on the electrical properties of the cellular membranes in several cancers as a possible therapeutic target. Full article
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