Persistent activation of TRPM4 triggers necrotic cell death characterized by sodium overload

Abstract

Sodium influx and overload are frequently observed in human tissue injuries. Whether sodium overload imposes a causative effect on necrotic cell death and the mechanism involved are unclear. Here we identify necrocide 1 (NC1) as a compound that induces necrotic cell death through sodium overload, termed NECSO for necrosis by sodium overload. NC1 targets the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 4 (TRPM4), a nonselective monovalent cation channel, to promote Na⁺ influx and necrosis. TRPM4-deficient cells are resistant to NC1-induced NECSO. NC1 specifically activates human TRPM4, not mouse TRPM4, because of differences in a transmembrane region, as revealed by domain swapping and molecular docking. Gain-of-function mutations in human TRPM4 linked to cardiac arrhythmias show increased vulnerability to NECSO triggered by NC1 or 2-deoxy-D-glucose. Chemical screening identified NECSO inhibitors that block necrosis induced by NC1 or energy depletion. These findings provide insights into regulated Na⁺ influx-mediated necrosis and its implications for disease.