Transient receptor potential channel C5 in cancer chemoresistance.

The transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily contains at least 28 homologs in mammalian. These proteins form TRP channels are permeable to monovalent and divalent cations and participate in a variety of physiological functions. Dysregulation of TRP channels is responsible for numerous diseases. This review provides a brief short overview of mammalian TRP channels with a focus on TRPC5 and its role in cancers. Dysregulation of TRPC5 interrupts Ca(2+) homeostasis in cancer cells, which activates signaling pathways that are highly associated with cancer progression, especially cancer chemoresistance. Based on the important role of TRPC5, we also discuss the potential of TRPC5 as a target for therapeutic intervention. Either direct targeting of TRPC5 or indirect interruption of TRPC5-related signaling pathways may effectively overcome cancer chemoresistance.