Potassium Channels, Cell Cycle, and Tumorigenesis in the Central Nervous System

Abstract

In addition to the well-understood role in action potential repolarization and control of brain homeostasis, potassium channels also play a fundamental role in controlling cellular proliferation. Here we wish to summarize evidence supporting potassium channels' involvement in tumorigenesis. We will first introduce basic concepts in cell cycle in the central nervous system, and then describe the multiple roles of potassium channels and their modulators in the central nervous system. Finally, we will focus on how brain tumors are controlled by potassium channel regulation, linking tumorigenesis process to cell cycle re-entry. We also introduce a novel possible modulator of potassium channels, and thus of tumorigenesis.