tat-M2NX

tat-M2NX is a cell-permeable peptide antagonist of the transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channel. It is composed of the HIV-1 TAT cell-penetrating peptide sequence fused to a specific inhibitory peptide sequence (M2NX) designed to block TRPM2 activity. TRPM2 is a non-selective cation channel activated by oxidative stress and ADP-ribose, which mediates calcium influx and subsequent neurodegeneration in conditions like ischemic stroke. By blocking TRPM2-mediated signaling, tat-M2NX is designed to mitigate neuronal injury and improve cognitive recovery. Research presented at the International Stroke Conference 2026 indicates that tat-M2NX can rescue hippocampal plasticity and memory deficits in mouse models of stroke, suggesting potential for treating post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI).