Transient receptor potential melastatin-like channels GON-2 and CED-11 (GON-2/CED-11)

GON-2 and CED-11 are Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin (TRPM)-like ion channels found in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (Teramoto et al., 2005, PubMed: 16107717). GON-2 is essential for the initiation and progression of gonadogenesis, functioning as a magnesium-permeable channel required for the division of somatic gonad precursor cells (Sun and Strange, 2008, PubMed: 18258919). CED-11 plays a specialized role in programmed cell death, where it facilitates the rapid shrinkage and change in light-refractive properties of dying cells (Kwan et al., 2008, PubMed: 18342324). These channels are closely related to the human TRPM6 and TRPM7 proteins, which are critical for maintaining systemic magnesium levels and cellular homeostasis (West et al., 2001, PubMed: 11331882). In research settings, these proteins are targeted to study the fundamental mechanisms of ion signaling in development and apoptosis. They are also considered potential targets for anthelmintic drugs, as their disruption leads to sterility or developmental arrest in nematodes. Pharmacological agents such as 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) and flufenamic acid are known to inhibit these channels by blocking the pore-forming subunits (Teramoto et al., 2005). Understanding the structure and function of GON-2 and CED-11 provides insights into human channelopathies related to magnesium transport and cell survival.

Other names

gon-2ced-11Gonadogenesis abnormal protein 2Cell death abnormality protein 11TRPM-like protein 2C. elegans TRPM channels

Blockade of the ion-conducting pore to inhibit cation (Mg2+, Ca2+) influx