Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Membrane Transport Proteins: Focus on Cancer and Chemoresistance

Abstract

Improving the therapeutic efficacy of conventional anticancer drugs represents the best hope for cancer treatment. However, the shortage of druggable targets and the increasing development of anticancer drug resistance remain significant problems. Recently, membrane transport proteins have emerged as novel therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. These proteins are essential for a plethora of cell functions ranging from cell homeostasis to clinical drug toxicity. Furthermore, their association with carcinogenesis and chemoresistance has opened new vistas for pharmacology-based cancer research. This review provides a comprehensive update of our current knowledge on the functional expression profile of membrane transport proteins in cancer and chemoresistant tumours that may form the basis for new cancer treatment strategies.

Therapeutic Nanobodies Targeting Cell Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins: A High-Risk/High-Gain Endeavor

“…In view of the critical role of cell plasma membrane transport proteins, modulation of their basal performance is associated with multiple pathologies [ 2 , 4 , 6 , 7 ]. Targeting these transport proteins, which include channels and pores, ATP-powered pumps and porters ( Figure 1 E), would be of therapeutic interest [ 2 , 5 , 8 , 9 ].…”

“…Therapeutic nanobodies targeting cell plasma membrane transport proteins are being developed to interfere with the function of these channels and pores, ATP-powered pumps and porters [ 2 , 5 , 8 , 9 ]. Such therapeutic nanobodies may exert these functional effects via different mechanisms.…”

“…Moreover, cell plasma membrane transport proteins are also frequently involved in disease [ 2 , 4 ]. As such, misfolding, mutations, downregulation or the overexpression of cell plasma membrane transport proteins are implicated in pathological conditions [ 2 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Consequently, cell plasma membrane transport proteins have gained considerable interest as potential drug targets [ 2 , 5 , 8 , 9 ].…”

“…As such, misfolding, mutations, downregulation or the overexpression of cell plasma membrane transport proteins are implicated in pathological conditions [ 2 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Consequently, cell plasma membrane transport proteins have gained considerable interest as potential drug targets [ 2 , 5 , 8 , 9 ]. However, the clinical translation of small-molecule drugs targeting these transport proteins is mostly impeded by the lack of selectivity, specificity, potency or stability of these molecules [ 2 , 10 , 11 ].…”

Electrochemotherapy with Calcium Chloride and 17β-Estradiol Modulated Viability and Apoptosis Pathway in Human Ovarian Cancer

“…The available information allows hypothesizing that electroporation may be an effective method against ovarian cancer. Additionally, the controlled concentration of 17β-estradiol may have a protective or toxic effect on the MDAH-2774 ovarian cancer cell line, which expresses estrogen receptors (ERs) [ 40 , 41 ]. The presented research aimed to evaluate the modulating effect of 17β-estradiol on the effectiveness of chemotherapy and electrochemotherapy with the use of cisplatin and calcium chloride in human ovarian cancer.…”