Potassium channels: Novel targets for tumor diagnosis and chemoresistance

Abstract

In recent years, the role of potassium channels in tumors has been intensively studied. Potassium channel proteins are widely involved in various physiological and pathological processes of cells. The expression and dysfunction of potassium channels are closely related to tumor progression. Potassium channel blockers or activators present antitumor effects by directly inhibiting tumor growth or enhancing the potency of classical antitumor agents in combination therapy. This article reviews the mechanisms by which potassium channels contribute to tumor development in various tumors in recent years, introduces the potential of potassium channels as diagnostic targets and therapeutic means for tumors, and provides further ideas for the proper individualized treatment of tumors.

Potassium Channels, Glucose Metabolism and Glycosylation in Cancer Cells

“…The activity and distribution of potassium channels in the cell affect proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and tumor progression [6]. One of the factors that regulates the activity, distribution in the membrane, and stability of K + channels is glycosylation [177].…”

“…It turns out that the altered expression of ion channels can be considered as one of the hallmarks of cancer, and several ion channel types have been linked to cancer cell chemoresistance [4]. From this perspective, ion channels emerge as a promising group of proteins that can be targeted in cancer treatment [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. Not only the channels from the plasma membrane are involved in important physiological processes in cancer cells but also the ones present in its organelles, where mitochondrial channels are assumed to have a significant role as regulators of bioenergetics (ATP synthesis), intracellular Ca 2+ homeostasis, production of reactive oxygen species, and apoptosis [3,13].…”

Quinoline‐based thiazolyl‐hydrazones target cancer cells through autophagy inhibition

“…(methyl CpG binding protein 2), FBP1 (fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase 1), KMO (kynurenine 3-monooxygenase), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 2 (HMGCS2), myeloid leukemia 1 (MCL-1), human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (hDHODH), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), focal adhesion kinase 2 (FAK), tyrosinase (monophenol monooxygenase) were recognized as cancer-relevant targets. [56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65] Since KCNQ1, MeCP2, and FBP1 are included in cancer progression via various signaling pathways, [56][57][58] they are not selected for further docking studies. Also, tyrosinase is not studied in that respect since it is related to a specific cancer type, which is not studied in this project.…”

mitoBKCais functionally expressed in murine and human breast cancer cells and promotes metabolic reprogramming

“…Important factors that emerged as new cancer targets are ion channels (Li and Xiong, 2011). Especially alterations in the expression levels and function of potassium ion (K + ) channels are critically related to cancer malignancy and progression (Li et al, 2023, p. 0). One of these channels represents the calcium ion (Ca 2+ ) and voltage-activated K + channel of large conductance (BK Ca ) (Mohr et al, 2022).…”