TRPM8 mRNA Research Articles

TRPM7-Mediated Calcium Transport in HAT-7 Ameloblasts.

TRPM7 plays an important role in cellular Ca2+, Zn2+ and Mg2+ homeostasis. TRPM7 channels are abundantly expressed in ameloblasts and, in the absence of TRPM7, dental enamel is hypomineralized. The potential role of TRPM7 channels in Ca2+ transport during amelogenesis was investigated in the HAT-7 rat ameloblast cell line. The cells showed strong TRPM7 mRNA and protein expression. Characteristic TRPM7 transmembrane currents were observed, which increased in the absence of intracellular Mg2+ ([Mg2+]i), were reduced by elevated [Mg2+]i, and were inhibited by the TRPM7 inhibitors NS8593 and FTY720. Mibefradil evoked similar currents, which were suppressed by elevated [Mg2+]i, reducing extracellular pH stimulated transmembrane currents, which were inhibited by FTY720. Naltriben and mibefradil both evoked Ca2+ influx, which was further enhanced by the acidic intracellular conditions. The SOCE inhibitor BTP2 blocked Ca2+ entry induced by naltriben but not by mibefradil. Thus, in HAT-7 cells, TRPM7 may serves both as a potential modulator of Orai-dependent Ca2+ uptake and as an independent Ca2+ entry pathway sensitive to pH. Therefore, TRPM7 may contribute directly to transepithelial Ca2+ transport in amelogenesis.

CSIG-13. TRPM7 INDUCES TUMORIGENESIS AND STEMNESS THROUGH NOTCH ACTIVATION IN GLIOMA

Abstract Our group found that the inhibitory effect of TRPM7 on proliferation and invasion of human glioma cell is mediated by multiple mechanisms. TRPM7 regulates miR-28-5p expression, which suppresses cell proliferation and invasion in glioma cells by targeting Ras-related protein Rap1b. In particular, our group found that TRPM7 channels regulate glioma stem cell (GSC) growth/proliferation through STAT3 and Notch signaling. However, which Notch component(s) is crucial for its activity regulated by TRPM7, and its relationship with other GSC markers, such as CD133 and ALDH1, remain unclear. In the current project, we elucidate the mechanisms of TRMP7’s regulation of Notch signaling pathway that contribute to the development and progression of glioma and maintenance of self-renewal and tumorigenicity of GSC using multiple glioma cell lines (GC) with different molecular subtypes and GSCs derived from the GC lines. 1) We first analyzed TRPM7 expression using the Oncomine database (https://www.oncomine.org) and found that the TRPM7 mRNA expression is significantly increased in anaplastic astrocytoma, diffuse astrocytoma, and GBM patients compared to that in normal brain tissue controls. 2) TRPM7 is expressed in GBM, and its channel activity is correlated with Notch1 activation. Inhibition of TRPM7 downregulates Notch1 signaling, while upregulation of TRPM7 upregulates Notch1 signaling. 3) GSC markers, CD133 and ALDH1, are correlated with TRPM7 in GBM. 4) Targeting TRPM7 suppresses the growth and proliferation of glioma cells through G1/S arrests and apoptosis of glioma cells. 5) Targeting Notch1 suppresses the TRPM7-induced growth and proliferation of glioma cells, as well as the expression of GSC markers CD133 and ALDH1. In summary, TRPM7 is responsible for sustained Notch signaling activation, enhanced expression of GSC markers, and regulation of glioma stemness, which contribute to malignant glioma cell growth and invasion. Notch1 and ligand DII4 are key components that contribute GSC stemness.

Mechanoactivation of NOX2-generated ROS elicits persistent TRPM8 Ca2+ signals that are inhibited by oncogenic KRas

Changes in the mechanical microenvironment and mechanical signals are observed during tumor progression, malignant transformation, and metastasis. In this context, understanding the molecular details of mechanotransduction signaling may provide unique therapeutic targets. Here, we report that normal breast epithelial cells are mechanically sensitive, responding to transient mechanical stimuli through a two-part calcium signaling mechanism. We observed an immediate, robust rise in intracellular calcium (within seconds) followed by a persistent extracellular calcium influx (up to 30 min). This persistent calcium was sustained via microtubule-dependent mechanoactivation of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2)-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS), which acted on transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8) channels to prolong calcium signaling. In contrast, the introduction of a constitutively active oncogenic KRas mutation inhibited the magnitude of initial calcium signaling and severely blunted persistent calcium influx. The identification that oncogenic KRas suppresses mechanically-induced calcium at the level of ROS provides a mechanism for how KRas could alter cell responses to tumor microenvironment mechanics and may reveal chemotherapeutic targets for cancer. Moreover, we find that expression changes in both NOX2 and TRPM8 mRNA predict poor clinical outcome in estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer patients, a population with limited available treatment options. The clinical and mechanistic data demonstrating disruption of this mechanically-activated calcium pathway in breast cancer patients and by KRas activation reveal signaling alterations that could influence cancer cell responses to the tumor mechanical microenvironment and impact patient survival.

Abstract 2575: Mechanoactivation of NOX2-generated ROS elicits persistent TRPM8 Ca2+ signals that are inhibited by oncogenic KRas

Abstract Changes in the mechanical microenvironment and mechanical signals are observed during tumor progression, malignant transformation, and metastasis. In this context, understanding the molecular details of mechanotransduction signaling may provide unique therapeutic targets. Here we report that normal breast epithelial cells are mechanically sensitive, responding to mechanical stimuli through a two-part calcium signaling mechanism. We observed an immediate, robust rise in intracellular calcium (within seconds) followed by a persistent extracellular calcium influx (up to 30 minutes). This persistent calcium was sustained via microtubule-dependent mechano-activation of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2)-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS), which acted on TRPM8 channels to prolong calcium signaling. In contrast, the introduction of a constitutively-active oncogenic KRas mutation inhibited the magnitude of initial calcium signaling and severely blunted persistent calcium influx. The identification that oncogenic KRas suppresses mechanically-induced calcium at the level of ROS provides a novel mechanism for how KRas could alter cell responses to tumor microenvironment mechanics and may reveal new chemotherapeutic targets for cancer. Moreover, we find that expression changes in both NOX2 and TRPM8 mRNA predicts poor clinical outcome in estrogen receptor (ER) negative breast cancer patients, a population with limited available treatment options. The clinical and mechanistic data demonstrating disruption of this mechanically-activated calcium pathway in breast cancer patients and by KRas activation reveal novel signaling alterations that could influence cancer cell responses to the tumor mechanical microenvironment and impact patient survival. Citation Format: Stephen JP Pratt, Rachel M. Lee, Erick O. Hernandez-Ochoa, Eleanor C. Ory, Keyata N. Thompson, Patrick C. Bailey, Trevor J. Mathias, Julia A. Ju, Michele I. Vitolo, Martin F. Schneider, Joseph P. Stains, Christopher W. Ward, Stuart S. Martin. Mechanoactivation of NOX2-generated ROS elicits persistent TRPM8 Ca2+ signals that are inhibited by oncogenic KRas [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 2575.

The Percentage of Free PSA and Urinary Markers Distinguish Prostate Cancer from Benign Hyperplasia and Contribute to a More Accurate Indication for Prostate Biopsy.

The main advantage of urinary biomarkers is their noninvasive character and the ability to detect multifocal prostate cancer (CaP). We have previously implemented a quadruplex assay of urinary markers into clinical practice (PCA3, AMACR, TRPM8 and MSMB with KLK3 normalization). In this study, we aimed to validate it in a larger cohort with serum PSA 2.5–10 ng/mL and test other selected transcripts and clinical parameters, including the percentage of free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (% free PSA) and inflammation. In the main cohort of 299 men, we tested the quadruplex transcripts. In a subset of 146 men, we analyzed additional transcripts (CD45, EPCAM, EZH2, Ki67, PA2G4, PSGR, RHOA and TBP). After a prostate massage, the urine was collected, RNA isolated from a cell sediment and qRT-PCR performed. Ct values of KLK3 (i.e., PSA) were strongly correlated with Ct values of other genes which play a role in CaP (i.e., PCA3, AMACR, TRPM8, MSMB and PSGR). AMACR, PCA3, TRPM8 and EZH2 mRNA expression, as well as % free PSA, were significantly different for BPH and CaP. The best combined model (% free PSA plus PCA3 and AMACR) achieved an AUC of 0.728 in the main cohort. In the subset of patients, the best AUC 0.753 was achieved for the combination of PCA3, % free PSA, EPCAM and PSGR. PCA3 mRNA was increased in patients with inflammation, however, this did not affect the stratification of patients indicated for prostate biopsy. In conclusion, the percentage of free PSA and urinary markers contribute to a more accurate indication for prostate biopsy.

Ethnicity-specific distribution of <em>TRPM8</em> gene variants in Eurasian populations: signs of selection

The TRPM8 gene encodes the ion channel, which is a cold receptor in afferent neurons of the mammalian somatosensory system. We studied the frequency of haplotype distribution from six SNPs in the TRPM8 gene in Eurasian human populations, including Russians, Kazakhs and Chukchi. Four of the six SNPs are located in exon 7 (rs13004520, rs28901637, rs11562975, rs17868387), rs7593557 is in exon 11. These exons encode parts of the N-terminus, which is necessary for channel functioning in the plasma membrane of neurons. The rs11563071 is in exon 23 encoding part of the C-terminus. The primary difference in population distribution of haplotypes determines the SNP from exon 11 which leads to Ser419Asn substitution in protein. The most pronounced differences in the patterns of diversity and frequencies of haplotypes were observed between Chukchi and Russians. The frequency of major H1 haplotype encompassing the 419Ser gene variant differs in examined populations; 0.738 (Russians), 0.507 (Kazakhs) and 0.337 (Chukchi), p < 0.001. The TRPM8 gene variants encoding 419Asn and carrying the minor alleles of rs28901637 (P249P) and rs11562975 (L250L) in exon 7 are characteristic of Asian populations. The frequency of all 419Asn variants in Chukchi is comparable to that in Africans, however, the minor allele frequencies of rs28901637, rs11562975 in Africans is low. Apparently in the process of human colonization of Eurasia, minor alleles of these SNPs diverged depending on rs7593557 structure in exon 11. We analyzed sequences of five TRPM8 mRNA isoforms extracted by researchers from different tissues. Sequence analysis demonstrates that they are transcribed from major H1 variant of the TRPM8 gene but contain different translation start codons, which are generated by alternative splicing from pro-mRNA.

TRPM7 Upregulate the Activity of SMAD1 through PLC Signaling Way to Promote Osteogenesis of hBMSCs.

TRPM7 is a member of the transient receptor potential cation channel (TRP channel) subfamily M and possesses both an ion channel domain and a functional serine/threonine α-kinase domain. It has been proven to play an essential role in the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). However, the signaling pathway and molecular mechanism for TRPM7 in regulating osteogenic differentiation remain largely unknown. In this study, the potential role and mechanism of TRPM7 in the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs were investigated. The results showed that the expression of TRPM7 mRNA and protein increased, as did the osteogenic induction time. Upregulation or inhibition of TRPM7 could promote or inhibit the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs for 14 days. It was also found that the upregulation or inhibition of TRPM7 promoted or inhibited the activity of PLC and SMAD1, respectively, during osteogenic differentiation. PLC could promote osteogenic differentiation by upregulating the activity of SMAD1. However, inhibition of PLC alone could reduce the activity of SMAD1 but not inhibit completely the activation of SMAD1. Therefore, we inferred that it is an important signaling pathway for TRPM7 to upregulate the activity of SMAD1 through PLC and thereby promote the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs, but it is not a singular pathway. TRPM7 may also regulate the activation of SMAD1 through other ways, except for PLC, during osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs.

Functional expression of TRPM7 as a Ca2+ influx pathway in adipocytes.

In adipocytes, intracellular Ca2+ and Mg2+ modulates physiological functions, such as insulin action and the secretion of adipokines. TRPM7 is a Ca2+/Mg2+‐permeable non‐selective cation channel. TRPM7 mRNA is highly expressed in adipose tissue, however, its functional expression in adipocytes remains to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that TRPM7 was functionally expressed in both freshly isolated white adipocytes and in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes differentiated from a 3T3‐L1 pre‐adipocyte cell line by whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings. Consistent with known properties of TRPM7 current, the current in adipocytes was activated by the elimination of extracellular divalent cations and the reduction of intracellular free Mg2+ concentrations, and was inhibited by the TRPM7 inhibitors, 2‐aminoethyl diphenylborinate (2‐APB), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), N‐methyl maleimide (NMM), NS8593, and 2‐amino‐2‐[2‐(4‐octylphenyl)ethyl]‐1,3‐propanediol (FTY720). Treatment with small‐interfering (si) RNA targeting TRPM7 resulted in a reduction in the current to 23 ± 7% of nontargeting siRNA‐treated adipocytes. Moreover a TRPM7 activator, naltriben, increased the TRPM7‐like current and [Ca2+]i in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes but not in TRPM7‐knockdown adipocytes. These findings indicate that TRPM7 is functionally expressed, and plays a role as a Ca2+ influx pathway in adipocytes.

The expression of TRPM7 in serum of patients with sepsis, its influences on inflammatory factors and prognosis, and its diagnostic value.

This study aimed to investigate the expression of TRPM7 in the serum of patients with sepsis and its influences on inflammatory factors and prognosis. A prospective analysis was performed. 78 patients with sepsis were enrolled in the experimental group and treated from May 2015 to April 2017 in the Emergency Department of The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, and 75 healthy people were collected in the control group and received physical examinations during the same period. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the relative expression of TRPM7, and sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to measure the serum expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 in patients. Besides, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to analyze the diagnostic value of TRPM7. The serum level of TRPM7 mRNA in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group (p<0.05). The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). The optimal cut-off point value for the diagnosis of sepsis was 0.841; the specificity was 86%, and the sensitivity was 99%. Based on the survival data of the experimental group and the average expression level of TRPM7 which was 1.38, patients with a TRPM7 expression level less than 1.38 were divided into the low expression group, while those with a TRPM7 expression level equal or more than 1.38 were divided into the high expression group. The survival rate of the high expression group was significantly lower than that of the low expression group (p<0.05). In summary, TRPM7, with high expression level in the serum of patients with sepsis is expected to be a potential prognostic indicator for sepsis.

Two isoforms of Trpm8 in rat vas deferens

Trpm8 is a nonselective Ca 2+ -permeable ion channel activated by temperatures below 28 °C and cooling chemical compounds such as menthol and icilin. Trpm8 is expressed in sensory neurons where it functions for temperature detection. However, Trpm8 is also expressed in various internal organs where temperature is stably higher than 36 °C, that is much higher than cool temperature needed for Trpm8 activation. This opens possible makes roles for Trpm8, such as nociception. Trpm8 mRNA is expressed in vas deferens (VD), a smooth muscle organ of male reproductive system. However, no Trpm8-mediated currents were previously registered in the myocytes. VD is located outside of testes, and it consists of smooth muscle tube covered by the epithelium. It actively contracts and transfers sperm from testes to ejaculatory ducts prior to ejaculation. Temperature in VD is stably high, thus, Trpm8 role there could be outside of cold detection. The objective of this study was to analyze Trpm8 mRNA and protein expression in rat VD, as well as splice variant analysis. Trpm8 mRNA expression in VD was confirmed with RT-PCR, and Trpm8 protein was detected by the Western-blot analysis. Additionally, we found that both mRNA and protein of shorter non-classical isoform, as well as canonical isoform of Trpm8 in VD. We isolated smooth muscle cells from VD and performed a multi-cell PCR. This technique makes possible non-myocytic mRNA detection that could be isolated from e.g. sensory neurons termini where Trpm8 is expressed at much higher levels. Interestingly, in the isolated smooth muscle cells, no canonical Trpm8 transcript was found, though the non-classical isoform was present. We propose the shorter isoform could be formed as a result of alternative splicing. This would account for a difference in Trpm8 function in VD, i.e. no Trpm8-mediated currents registered in the myocytes. A shorter isoform could have a truncated N-terminal domain, that is consistent with known human Trpm8 isoforms sM8-6 and sM8-18. Keywords : Trpm8, cold receptor, splice variant, vas deferens, myocytes, gene expression

Rokumigan alleviates oxaliplatin‐induced cold hypersensitivity by suppression of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 and subfamily A member 1

ABSTRACTAimOxaliplatin (Oxp) is a chemotherapeutic agent that is used to treat advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer. Oxp causes cold hypersensitivity in the acute therapy stage, however, by overexpression of the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily melastatin, member 8 (TRPM8) and subfamily ankyrin, member 1 (TRPA1) ion channels, which sense low temperatures. In this study, we examined the effect of rokumigan (RG) on Oxp‐induced cold hypersensitivity.MethodsWe examined withdrawal response to cold stimulation and analyzed the expression of TRPM8 and TRPA1 mRNA in the 4th–6th lumbar vertebrae dorsal root ganglia of rats treated with RG, orally, at 1 g/kg/day for 12 days and Oxp, i.p., at 4 mg/kg twice per week, using quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction.ResultsThe withdrawal response to cold stimulation at 4 and 10°C was significantly improved with RG–Oxp co‐treatment. Overexpression of TRPM8 and TRPA1 mRNA induced by treatment with Oxp was restored to a level similar to that of the vehicle group by co‐treatment with RG.ConclusionThe six herbs that constitute RG may potentially alleviate Oxp‐induced cold hypersensitivity. Further research is necessary to analyze the effect of each herbal component of RG on the expression of TRP channels.

MRNA expression of transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) channels 2 and 7 in perinatal brain development

TRPM7 and TRPM2 are non-specific cation channels of the Transient Receptor Potential channel superfamily. Each channel has gained attention for their potential to mediate oxidative and anoxic cell death (Rama and García, 2016; Nazıroğlu, 2011a; Abiria et al., 2017; Sun, 2017), however their physiological expression and roles in the developing brain remain poorly defined. We employed real-time reverse transcription PCR to examine mRNA expression of TRPM7 and TRPM2 in the developing rat brain and brain-specific cell types. We determined the temporal and spatial expression patterns at four developmental time points (postnatal day 7, 14, 21, and 90) in four critical regions of the brain (cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and cerebellum) and examined gene expression in neuronal, astrocytic, and microglial primary cell cultures. Our results revealed that TRPM7 mRNA expression peaks in the cortex at 2-weeks after birth, and thus correlates most closely with a period of rat brain development associated with neurite outgrowth, which is heightened at 2-weeks after birth. Our cell-specific gene expression assays revealed that TRPM7 was expressed at equivalent levels in neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. Conversely, TRPM2 was most highly expressed in microglia with little expression in neurons and astrocytes. In the hippocampus and striatum, the expression profile of TRPM2 parallels the perinatal expression timeline for microglial infiltration and maturation in the rat brain. Microglial maturation is highest from the time of birth, up to 7-days, but subsequently declines. The latter developmental expression profiles indicate a role for TRPM2 in microglial activation.

Assessment of the TRPM8 inhibitor AMTB in breast cancer cells and its identification as an inhibitor of voltage gated sodium channels

AimsTo assess levels of the calcium permeable transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily melastatin, member 8 (TRPM8) in breast cancer molecular subtypes and to assess the consequences of TRPM8 pharmacological inhibition with AMTB (an inhibitor of TRPM8) on breast cancer cell lines. Materials and methodsCell viability and migration of breast cancer cells was determined using MTS assays and wound healing assays, respectively. RNA-Seq analysis of breast tumours and qPCR in breast cancer cell lines were used to assess mRNA levels of ion channels. Membrane potential assays were employed to assess the effects of AMTB against specific voltage gated sodium channels (NaV). Key findingsTRPM8 levels were significantly higher in breast cancers of the basal molecular subtype. AMTB decreased viable cell number in MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-3 breast cancer cell lines (30 and 100 μM), and also reduced the migration of MDA-MB-231 cells (30 μM). However, these effects were independent of TRPM8, as no TRPM8 mRNA was detected in MDA-MB-231 cells. AMTB was identified as an inhibitor of NaV isoforms. NaV1.1–1.9 were expressed in a number of breast cancer cell lines, with NaV1.5 mRNA highest in MDA-MB-231 cells compared to the other breast cancer cell lines assessed. SignificanceTRPM8 levels may be elevated in basal breast cancers, however, TRPM8 expression appears to be lost in many breast cancer cell lines. Some of the effects of AMTB attributed to TRPM8 may be due to effects on NaV channels.

The clinnical significance of TRPM8 ion channels over-expressed in pancreatic cancer

Objective TRPM8 as a clinical biomarker and potential drug target may provide a gui-dance in accurately judging the malignant potential and prognosis of pancreatic cancer. Downregulating the expression of TRPM8 leads to inhibition of the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells and this may provide a new target for personalized pancreatic cancer treatment. Methods The pancreatic cancer tissues of 77 patients and the normal pancreas tissues of 30 persons were collected and examined by immunohistochemistry. PCR, gene knockout, Western Blot, CCK8 and patch clamp experiments were performed on pancreatic cancer cell lines BxPC-3, PANC1 and normal pancreatic cell line HPCY-5. Results Immunohistochemistry and Western Blot experiments showed that the TRPM8 channel protein was highly expressed in cancer cells, and the high expression of channel proteins was related to the degree of tumor differentiation (P<0.05). The detection of the TRPM8 mRNA in pancreatic cancer cell lines BxPC-3 and PANC1 by QPCR showed absolutely high expressions relative to the normal cell line HPCY-5. The results of patch clamp and CCK8 showed that the membrane currents and proliferation of tumor cells were significantly decreased after TRPM8 gene knockout, and the difference is significant (P<0.05). Conclusions The TRPM8 ion channel was higher in pancreatic cancer cells than that in normal pancreatic cells. Overexpression of TRPM8 was closely related to tumor cell proliferation and invasion ability. Key words: Pancreatic cancer; TRPM8; Western Blot; Patch clamp

TRPM8 is required for survival and radioresistance of glioblastoma cells.

TRPM8 is a Ca2+-permeable nonselective cation channel belonging to the melastatin sub-group of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family. TRPM8 is aberrantly overexpressed in a variety of tumor entities including glioblastoma multiforme where it reportedly contributes to tumor invasion. The present study aimed to disclose further functions of TRPM8 in glioma biology in particular upon cell injury by ionizing radiation. To this end, TCGA data base was queried to expose the TRPM8 mRNA abundance in human glioblastoma specimens and immunoblotting was performed to analyze the TRPM8 protein abundance in primary cultures of human glioblastoma. Moreover, human glioblastoma cell lines were irradiated with 6 MV photons and TRPM8 channels were targeted pharmacologically or by RNA interference. TRPM8 abundance, Ca2+ signaling and resulting K+ channel activity, chemotaxis, cell migration, clonogenic survival, DNA repair, apoptotic cell death, and cell cycle control were determined by qRT-PCR, fura-2 Ca2+ imaging, patch-clamp recording, transfilter migration assay, wound healing assay, colony formation assay, immunohistology, flow cytometry, and immunoblotting. As a result, human glioblastoma upregulates TRPM8 channels to variable extent. TRPM8 inhibition or knockdown slowed down cell migration and chemotaxis, attenuated DNA repair and clonogenic survival, triggered apoptotic cell death, impaired cell cycle and radiosensitized glioblastoma cells. Mechanistically, ionizing radiation activated and upregulated TRPM8-mediated Ca2+ signaling that interfered with cell cycle control probably via CaMKII, cdc25C and cdc2. Combined, our data suggest that TRPM8 channels contribute to spreading, survival and radioresistance of human glioblastoma and, therefore, might represent a promising target in future anti-glioblastoma therapy.

High-throughput proteome analysis reveals targeted TRPM8 degradation in prostate cancer.

The Ca2+-permeable ion channel TRPM8 is a hallmark of the prostate epithelium. We recently discovered that TRPM8 is an ionotropic testosterone receptor. This finding suggested that testosterone-induced TRPM8 activity regulates Ca2+ homeostasis in the prostate epithelium. Since androgens are significantly implicated in prostate cancer development, the role of the novel testosterone receptor TRPM8 in cancer was assessed in our study. Although TRPM8 mRNA levels increase at the early prostate cancer stages, we found that it is not proportionally translated into TRPM8 protein levels. High-throughput proteome analysis revealed that TRPM8 degradation is enhanced in human prostate cancer cells. This degradation is executed via a dual degradation mechanism with the involvement of both lysosomal and proteasomal proteolytic pathways. The evaluation of the TRPM8 expression pattern in prostate cancer patients further confirmed the incidence of TRPM8 removal from the plasma membrane and its internalization pattern coincided with the severity of the tumor. Together, our results indicate that enhanced TRPM8 hydrolysis in prostate cancer could present an adaptation mechanism, sustained via bypassing testosterone-induced rapid Ca2+ uptake through TRPM8, thus, diminishing the rates of apoptosis. In this light, recovery of TRPM8 may pose a novel therapeutic strategy for an anti-tumor defense mechanism.

TRPM7 channel inhibition mediates midazolam-induced proliferation loss in human malignant glioma.

The melastatin-like transient receptor potential 7 (TRPM7) has been implicated in proliferation or apoptosis of some cancers, indicating the potential of TRPM7 as an anti-anaplastic target. Here, we identified the characteristic TRPM7 channel currents in human malignant glioma MGR2 cells, which could be blocked by a pharmacologic inhibitor Gd3+. We mined the clinical sample data from Oncomine Database and found that human malignant glioma tissues expressed higher TRPM7 mRNA than normal brain ones. Importantly, we identified a widely used clinical anesthetic midazolam as a TRPM7 inhibitor. Midazolam treatment for seconds suppressed the TRPM7 currents and calcium influx, and treatment for 48h inhibited the TRPM7 expression. The inhibitory effect on TRPM7 accounts for the proliferation loss and G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest induced by midazolam. Our data demonstrates that midazolam represses proliferation of human malignant glioma cells through inhibiting TRPM7 currents, which may be further potentiated by suppressing the expression of TRPM7. Our result indicates midazolam as a pharmacologic lead compound with brain-blood barrier permeability for targeting TRPM7 in the glioma.

Mouse model of imiquimod-induced psoriatic itch.

Itch is a major indicator of psoriasis, but the underlying mechanisms behind this symptom are largely unknown. To investigate the neuronal mechanisms of psoriatic itch, we tested whether mice subjected to the imiquimod-induced psoriasis model exhibit itch-associated behaviors. Mice received daily topical applications of imiquimod to the rostral back skin for 7 days. Imiquimod-treated mice exhibited a significant increase in spontaneous scratching behavior directed to the treated area as well as touch-evoked scratching (alloknesis). To characterize this model, we measured the mRNA expression levels of pruritogens and itch-relevant receptors/channels using real-time reverse transcription PCR. The mRNA expression of MrgprA3, MrgprC11, and MrgprD decreased gradually over time in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells. There was no significant change in the mRNA expression of TRPV1 or TRPA1 in DRG cells. TRPV4 mRNA expression was transiently increased in the DRG cells, whereas TRPM8 mRNA was significantly decreased. The mRNA expression levels of histidine decarboxylase and tryptophan hydroxylase 1, as well as the intensity of histamine and serotonin immunoreactivity, were transiently increased in the skin on day 2, returning to baseline by day 7. Histamine H1-receptor antagonists, chlorpheniramine and olopatadine, significantly inhibited spontaneous scratching on day 2, but not day 7. Neither chlorpheniramine nor olopatadine affected alloknesis on day 2 or day 7. These results may reflect the limited antipruritic effects of histamine H1-receptor antagonists on human psoriasis. The imiquimod-induced psoriasis model seems to be useful for the investigation of itch and its sensitization in psoriasis.

Abstract 1165: TRPM8 is avidly targeted for degradation in prostate cancer

Abstract Transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) is a cold-sensing receptor and a hallmark Ca2+ channel of the prostate epithelium. The TRPM8 mRNA is overexpressed in early prostate tumors with high androgen levels, while anti-androgen therapy greatly reduces its expression. Thus, androgens, which are at the crossroads of several signaling pathways, appear to be associated with TRPM8-mediated Ca2+ signaling. Although, TRPM8 mRNA levels are upregulated during prostate cancer progression, this upregulation is not adequately translated to the TRPM8 protein levels. We identified that the lower TRPM8 protein abundance and activation in LNCaP cells is associated with increased ubiquitination and loss of TRPM8 from the plasma membrane (PM). The mass-spectrometry analysis of TRPM8, immunoprecipitated from LNCaP cells identified ubiquitin-like modifier-activating enzyme 1 (UBA1). PYR-41, a potent inhibitor of the initial enzyme in the ubiquitination cascade, UBA1, increased TRPM8 activity on the PM of LNCaP cells. Our data indicate that PMTRPM8 plays a protective role in prostate cancer progression accompanied by enhanced activation of p53 and Caspase-9. In addition, we found that the promoter region of trpm8 possesses putative binding sites for p53 and that the overexpression of p53 increased the TRPM8 mRNA levels. Our findings support previous studies that suggest the fine balance between AR and p53 expression that regulates androgen-dependent growth of prostate cancer. Thus, we hypothesize that TRPM8 activity significantly contributes to anti-tumor defense mechanism and may serve as a novel therapeutic target in prostate cancer. Citation Format: Swapna Asuthkar, Eleonora Zakharian. TRPM8 is avidly targeted for degradation in prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1165.

Involvement of c-Myc-mediated transient receptor potential melastatin 8 expression in oxaliplatin-induced cold allodynia in mice.

Oxaliplatin, a platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent, induces acute cold allodynia and dysesthesia. Cold-sensitive transient receptor potential channels (TRPM8 and TRPA1) have been implicated as candidates to mediate oxaliplatin-induced cold allodynia and hyperalgesia, but precise roles of these channels remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of TRPM8 in oxaliplatin-induced cold allodynia. Oxaliplatin was injected intraperitoneally in mice. Cold allodynia was evaluated by the acetone test. Expression levels of TRPM8 mRNA and protein were measured using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. Oxaliplatin-induced cold allodynia was alleviated by the TRPM8 blockers N-(2-aminoethyl)-N-[4-(benzyloxy)-3-methoxybenzyl]-N'-(1S)-1-(phenyl) ethyl] urea and TC-I 2014. Oxaliplatin increased the expression levels of TRPM8 mRNA and protein in the dorsal root ganglia and plantar skin, respectively. Prophylactic administration of the c-Myc inhibitor 10058-F4 prevented cold allodynia and the increase of TRPM8 mRNA after oxaliplatin injection. These results suggest that oxaliplatin induces cold allodynia through the increase of c-Myc-mediated TRPM8 expression in primary sensory neurons.