Trpm3, a member of the TRP family, encodes proteins forming cation-permeable ion channels on the plasma membrane [1]. It has unique features like generating a large number of isoforms mainly through alternative splicing. An intronic microRNA (miR-204) is co-transcribed with Trpm3, increasing the functional complexity of the locus. TRPM3 channels are involved in sensing noxious heat, modulating insulin release, and secreting inflammatory cytokines [1].

In acute oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathic pain, in vivo behavioral studies with TRPM3-deficient mice showed a lack of cold and mechano-hypersensitivity, while control mice developed these symptoms. Also, the levels of protein ERK, a neuronal activity marker, were reduced in dorsal root ganglion neurons from TRPM3-deficient mice after oxaliplatin administration. Intraperitoneal injection of a TRPM3 antagonist alleviated the pain behavior in mice with acute oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy, suggesting TRPM3 as a potential target for treating neuropathic pain in chemotherapy patients [2].

In conclusion, Trpm3 is crucial for functions such as noxious heat sensing, insulin release modulation, and cytokine secretion. Studies using TRPM3-deficient mice have revealed its role in acute oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathic pain, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in this disease area [1,2].

References:

1. Oberwinkler, Johannes, Philipp, Stephan E. . TRPM3. In Handbook of experimental pharmacology, 222, 427-59. doi:10.1007/978-3-642-54215-2_17. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24756716/

2. Aloi, Vincenzo Davide, Pinto, Sílvia João Poseiro Coutinho, Van Bree, Rita, Voets, Thomas, Vriens, Joris. 2023. TRPM3 as a novel target to alleviate acute oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathic pain. In Pain, 164, 2060-2069. doi:10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002906. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37079852/