Researches toward potassium channels on tumor progressions.
As trans-membrane proteins located in cytoplasm and organelle membrane, potassium (K(+)) channels are generally divided into four super-families: voltage-gated K(+) channels (K(v)), Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (K(Ca)), inwardly rectifying K(+) channels (K(ir)) and two-pore domain K(+) channels (K(2P)). 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.
Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China. youqd@cpu.edu.cn.
Zheng
Z
Shen
Qian
Q
Yang
Qidong
Q
You
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000188:drug therapy; D009385:Neoplastic Processes; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D015221:Potassium Channels