The cation channel and protein kinase transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 7 (TRPM7) has been linked to immune homeostasis, immune cell signaling and differentiation, and inflammatory diseases. Its importance in guiding ion-mediated cellular responses, funneling discrete kinase signal transduction events, and contributing to complex membrane-localized protein networks positions the channel-kinase as a promising pharmacological target. Diseases with underlying exacerbation of ion-coupled cellular responses are in focus. Undoubtedly, the manifold cells of the immune system undertake a key position in their demand for a smoothly adaptable molecular performance, reacting to incorporate environmental and nutritional triggers to guide diverse cellular states. We here discuss a current view of the molecular principles underlying TRPM7 function in immunity and provide a grasping outlook on open questions and research topics we expect to emerge in the upcoming years, positioning TRPM7 as an unattended player at the forefront of immune regulation.
Hoeger et al. (Fri,) studied this question.