title: Calcium channel expression and applicability as targeted therapies in melanoma.
abstract: The remodeling of Ca(2+) signaling is a common finding in cancer pathophysiology serving the purpose of facilitating proliferation, migration, or survival of cancer cells subjected to stressful conditions. One particular facet of these adaptive changes is the alteration of Ca(2+) fluxes through the plasma membrane, as described in several studies. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the expression of different Ca(2+) channels in the plasma membrane of melanoma cells and its impact on oncogenic Ca(2+) signaling. In the last few years, new molecular components of Ca(2+) influx pathways have been identified in melanoma cells. In addition, new links between Ca(2+) homeostasis and specific cell processes important in melanoma tumor progression have been unveiled. Thus, not only do Ca(2+) channels appear to have a potential as prognostic markers, but their pharmacological blockade or gene silencing is hinted as interesting therapeutic approaches.
authors.affiliation: University of Lleida-IRBLleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Macià
authors.affiliation: University of Lleida-IRBLleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Herreros
authors.affiliation: University of Lleida-IRBLleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain ; Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, 25198 Lleida, Spain.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Martí
authors.affiliation: University of Lleida-IRBLleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cantí
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000378:metabolism*; D020013:Calcium Signaling / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism*; D008954:Models, Biological; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy / Q000379:methods; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D015220:Calcium Channels