Calcium channel expression and applicability as targeted therapies in melanoma

Abstract

The remodeling of Ca2+ 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 Ca2+ fluxes through the plasma membrane, as described in several studies. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the expression of different Ca2+ channels in the plasma membrane of melanoma cells and its impact on oncogenic Ca2+ signaling. In the last few years, new molecular components of Ca2+ influx pathways have been identified in melanoma cells. In addition, new links between Ca2+ homeostasis and specific cell processes important in melanoma tumor progression have been unveiled. Thus, not only do Ca2+ channels appear to have a potential as prognostic markers, but their pharmacological blockade or gene silencing is hinted as interesting therapeutic approaches.