Research Toward Potassium Channels on Tumor Progression

Title: Research Toward Potassium Channels on Tumor Progression

Volume: 9 Issue: 4

Author(s): Zheng Shen, Qian Yang and Qidong You

Affiliation:

Keywords: Cancer chemotherapy, Kv, KCa, Kir, K2P, K+ channel modulators, mechanisms of action

Abstract: As trans-membrane proteins located in cytoplasm and organelle membrane, potassium (K+) channels are generally divided into four super-families: voltage-gated K+ channels (Kv), Ca2+-activated K+ channels (KCa), inwardly rectifying K+ channels (Kir) and two-pore domain K+ channels (K2P). Since dysfunctions of K+ channels would induce many diseases, various studies toward their functions in physiologic and pathologic process have been extensively launched. This review focuses on the recent advances of K+ channels in tumor progression, including the brief introduction of K+ channels, the role of K+ channels in tumor cells, the possible mechanism of action at cellular level, and the possible application of K+ channel modulators in cancer chemotherapy.

Cite this article as:

Shen Zheng, Yang Qian and You Qidong, Research Toward Potassium Channels on Tumor Progression, Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry 2009; 9 (4) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/156802609788317874