Parasitic flatworm transient receptor potential melastatin ion channel (TRPM PZQ)

The parasitic flatworm transient receptor potential melastatin ion channel (commonly known as TRPM PZQ) is a large, non-selective cation channel present in trematodes and cestodes responsible for major human and veterinary parasitic infections such as schistosomiasis[1][2][4][5]. It is gated by both physical cues (membrane stretch) and chemical ligands, most notably the anthelmintic drug praziquantel, which binds to a hydrophobic pocket in the channel's voltage sensor–like domain. Activation of TRPM PZQ by praziquantel causes calcium influx, membrane depolarization, and sustained muscle contraction, leading to parasite paralysis and clearance from the host. This channel is absent or divergent in flukes insensitive to praziquantel, and specific sequence features of TRPM PZQ determine drug sensitivity[2][3][4][5]. TRPM PZQ is considered a validated and appealing therapeutic target for anti-parasitic drug development due to its essential role in parasite physiology, high conservation among sensitive flatworms, and divergence from mammalian homologs[1][2][6].

Other names

TRPM PZQSchistosoma mansoni TRPM PZQ (Sm.TRPM PZQ)schistosome TRPM PZQparasitic flatworm TRPM ion channel

Activation by praziquantel causes calcium influx, membrane depolarization, spastic muscle contraction, and parasite paralysis leading to immunological clearance[2][3][4].