Surreal image of TRPM6 gene and microRNA in colon cancer

Decoding Colon Cancer: Can a Gene Called TRPM6 Hold the Key to Better Treatment?

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness September 2025 • 3 min read.

"New research identifies TRPM6 and associated microRNAs as potential targets for improving diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of colorectal cancer."

Colorectal cancer (CRC), a major health challenge worldwide, is known for its complex development, involving multiple genes that disrupt the digestive system. Understanding the specific genes and pathways that drive CRC is critical for developing more effective treatments.

Recent research has focused on identifying key genes involved in CRC by analyzing microarray expression profiling data. This approach allows scientists to pinpoint specific genetic signatures associated with the disease, opening the door to targeted therapies.

One promising target identified in these studies is the TRPM6 gene, along with its associated microRNAs. These molecules play a role in tumor development and progression, making them valuable targets for future cancer interventions.

TRPM6: A Potential Game-Changer in Colon Cancer Treatment?

Surreal image of TRPM6 gene and microRNA in colon cancer

A recent study aimed to identify critical genes involved in the development of colorectal cancer. Researchers analyzed gene expression data from a large dataset (GSE39582), which included 566 colon cancer samples and 19 normal colon tissue samples. This analysis helped identify genes that were significantly different between cancerous and normal tissues.

The study revealed 439 genes that were differentially expressed (DEGs) in colon cancer. These DEGs were linked to several important cancer-related processes, including:

Regulation of cell proliferation
Extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions
PI3K-Akt signaling pathway

Among these DEGs, ten genes were identified as particularly important, with TRPM6 standing out. TRPM6, or Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily M Member 6, showed reduced expression in colon cancer tissues. Further analysis suggested that higher TRPM6 expression might be linked to better overall survival in CRC patients. This makes TRPM6 a compelling target for further investigation.

The Future of TRPM6 in Colon Cancer Therapy

This research highlights TRPM6 and its associated microRNAs as promising targets for future studies. Further investigation is needed to fully understand the role of TRPM6 in colon cancer development and how it can be effectively targeted for therapeutic purposes. These findings provide a foundation for innovative approaches to diagnosing, treating, and improving outcomes for individuals affected by this prevalent disease.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3892/or.2018.6726, Alternate LINK

Title: Identification Of Key Tumorigenesis‑Related Genes And Their Micrornas In Colon Cancer

Subject: Cancer Research

Journal: Oncology Reports

Publisher: Spandidos Publications

Authors: Binbin Xie, Rongjie Zhao, Bingjun Bai, Yuhui Wu, Yuzi Xu, Si Lu, Yong Fang, Zhanggui Wang, Ewetse Maswikiti, Xiaoyun Zhou, Hongming Pan, Weidong Han

Published: 2018-09-21

Everything You Need To Know

What is the significance of identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) like TRPM6 in colorectal cancer research?

Identifying differentially expressed genes, such as TRPM6, is crucial because it helps pinpoint specific genetic signatures associated with colorectal cancer. In the study, 439 DEGs were identified, which are linked to cancer-related processes like cell proliferation, ECM interactions, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. TRPM6, showing reduced expression in colon cancer tissues, stood out as particularly important. This knowledge opens doors to targeted therapies and innovative approaches for diagnosing and treating the disease. Further understanding of these genes can lead to the development of more effective and personalized treatments.

How does the gene TRPM6 potentially influence the survival rates of patients with colorectal cancer?

Research suggests that higher expression of the gene TRPM6 may be linked to better overall survival in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The study of gene expression data revealed that TRPM6 showed reduced expression in colon cancer tissues. This makes TRPM6 a compelling target for further investigation, as understanding how to increase its expression could potentially improve patient outcomes. Additional studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms through which TRPM6 impacts survival rates and how it can be effectively targeted for therapeutic purposes.

What role do microRNAs associated with TRPM6 play in colon cancer, and how might targeting them improve treatment?

The microRNAs associated with TRPM6 play a role in tumor development and progression in colorectal cancer. These molecules, along with TRPM6, are valuable targets for future cancer interventions. By targeting these microRNAs, researchers aim to influence the expression and function of TRPM6, potentially altering the course of the disease. This could lead to new therapeutic strategies that improve diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for individuals affected by colorectal cancer. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the specific functions of these microRNAs and how they can be effectively targeted.

In what ways could the discovery of TRPM6's role in colorectal cancer lead to innovative diagnostic approaches?

The discovery of TRPM6's role in colorectal cancer offers possibilities for innovative diagnostic approaches by using TRPM6 expression levels as a biomarker. Since the study found that TRPM6 expression is reduced in colon cancer tissues, it could potentially be used for early detection. For example, a diagnostic test could be developed to measure TRPM6 levels in tissue samples, allowing for earlier and more accurate identification of cancerous tissues. This could lead to earlier intervention and improved patient outcomes. Additional research is needed to validate TRPM6 as a reliable diagnostic marker and to develop effective testing methods.

The PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was mentioned in connection with DEGs. How does this pathway relate to colon cancer, and why is it important for developing new treatments?

The PI3K-Akt signaling pathway is important in colon cancer because it is involved in key cellular processes such as cell proliferation, growth, and survival. Dysregulation of this pathway is frequently observed in various cancers, including colorectal cancer, contributing to tumor development and progression. By understanding how DEGs, including TRPM6, interact with and influence the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, researchers can develop targeted therapies that disrupt these abnormal signaling cascades. This could lead to more effective treatments that selectively target cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. Further investigation is needed to fully elucidate these interactions and develop pathway-specific therapeutic interventions.