Noncanonical calcium-independent TRPM4 activation governs intestinal fluid homeostasis.

ABSTRACT: Imbalance in intestinal fluid homeostasis leads to nutrient malabsorption, intestinal tissue destruction, and systemic inflammation. Transient receptor potential melastatin 4 (TRPM4) is a calcium-activated, non-selective monovalent cation channel converting chemical signals (Ca²⁺) into electrical signals (membrane depolarization). Here, we show the TRPM4 channel as a direct target of bisacodyl (BIC), a widely used clinical drug for chronic constipation management, and its active metabolite, deacetyl bisacodyl (DAB). DAB-induced laxative effects are abolished in global and intestinal epithelium-specific TRPM4-knockout mice, establishing the essential role of TRPM4 in intestinal fluid regulation. Furthermore, our structural work reveals DAB bound to an uncharacterized pocket, mark

SUBMITTER: Liu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12864820 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature