Potassium and Chloride Ion Channels in Cancer: A Novel Paradigm for Cancer Therapeutics

Abstract

Cancer is a collection of diseases caused by specific changes at the genomic level that support cell proliferation indefinitely. Traditionally, ion channels are known to control a variety of cellular processes including electrical signal generation and transmission, secretion, and contraction by controlling ionic gradients. However, recent studies had brought to light important facts on ion channels in cancer biology. In this review we discuss the mechanism linking potassium or chloride ion channel activity to biochemical pathways controlling proliferation in cancer cells and the potential advantages of targeting ion channels as an anticancer therapeutic option.