Expression of Transient Receptor Potential Canonical Channel Proteins in Human Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Background and objective Transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) proteins, a group of Ca2+ permeable nonselective cation channels, are thought to constitute store-operated calcium channels (SOCC) and mediate store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) in various cell types. Members of TRPC have been found to be involved in abnormal proliferation, differentiation, and growth of cancer cells. The aim of this study is to detect the mRNA and protein expression of TRPC in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to screen the expression of TRPC mRNA in NSCLC tissue. Protein expression of TRPC was detected by Western blot. Results Among the seven family members of TRPC so far identified (TRPC1-7), we detected the expression of TRPC1, TRPC3, TRPC4, TRPC6 mRNA in 24 cases of NSCLC tissue; TRPC2, TRPC5 and TRPC7 mRNA were not detectable. The relative abundance of the expressed TRPC was TRPC1≈TRPC6TRPC3TRPC4. Western blot confirmed the protein expression of TRPC1, TRPC3, TRPC4 and TRPC6 in NSCLC tissue. Conclusion Out of the seven members of TRPC, we found TRPC1, TRPC3, TRPC4, TRPC6 mRNA and protein were selectively expressed in human NSCLC tissue. This study could provide a basis for future exploration of the individual role of these TRPC proteins in mediating SOCE and in the progression of lung cancer.