TRPM2 Channels: A Potential Therapeutic Target in Melanoma?

The transient receptor potential, the melastatin (TRPM) subfamily, which consists of eight known members, appears to have significant importance in melanoma progression, treatment, and prognosis. As several members were originally cloned from cancerous tissue, initial studies aimed towards identifying TRPM involvement in cancer progression and tumorigenesis. For relevance in skin cancer, previous research has shown roles for several TRPM members in skin cancer progression, growth, and patient prognosis. One unique member, TRPM2, appears to have notable therapeutic potential in the treatment of melanoma. Previous and recent studies have demonstrated increased TRPM2 expression levels in melanoma, as well as important roles for TRPM2 in melanoma growth, proliferation, and survival. TRPM2 is thus an emerging target in the treatment of melanoma, where TRPM2 antagonism may offer an additional treatment option for melanoma patients in the future.

Automated summary

The transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) subfamily, containing eight known members, plays a significant role in melanoma progression, treatment, and prognosis. Initially identified in cancerous tissue, TRPM involvement in cancer progression and tumorigenesis was investigated. In skin cancer, several TRPM members have been found to play important roles in progression, growth, and patient prognosis. TRPM2, a unique member, shows promising potential in melanoma treatment. Increased TRPM2 expression levels have been observed in melanoma, with important functions in growth, proliferation, and survival. TRPM2 antagonism may offer a new treatment option for melanoma patients in the future.