TRPM2: a pivotal player in tumor progression and a promising therapeutic target

Abstract

TRPM2, a member of the TRPM family, is a ubiquitously expressed non-selective cation channel located on cellular membranes. Activated by ADP-ribose (ADPR), this channel is prevalent across various normal tissues and plays a critical role in numerous physiological and pharmacological processes, particularly in maintaining calcium homeostasis. A substantial body of evidence indicates that elevated expression of TRPM2 is associated with various cancer types. Increased TRPM2 expression has been significantly correlated with enhanced cellular proliferation, invasion, and poor prognosis in cancer patients. Furthermore, TRPM2 is pivotal in regulating Ca2+ levels, maintaining the mitochondrial function, and inducing cell cycle arrest, all contributing to tumor progression. This review examines the significance of the TRPM2 channel in tumor development and highlights its potential as a therapeutic target for inhibiting cell growth, apoptosis, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and resistance to chemotherapy drugs. The evidence suggests that the targeted modulation of the TRPM2 channel could be invaluable in diagnosing and treating tumors.