T-type Calcium Channels in Cancer

Abstract

Although voltage-activated Ca²⁺ channels are a common feature in excitable cells, their expression in cancer tissue is less understood. T-type Ca²⁺ channels are particularly overexpressed in various cancers. Because of their activation profile at membrane potentials close to rest and the generation of a window current, T-type Ca²⁺ channels may regulate a variety of Ca²⁺-dependent cellular processes, including cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. The expression of T-type Ca²⁺ channels is of special interest as a target for therapeutic interventions.

Keywords: T-type Ca2+ channel; cancer; neuroendocrine differentiation; proliferation.

Figure 1

T-type Ca²⁺ channels play a significant role in cellular proliferation, differentiation, autophagy and apoptosis through the activation of various signaling components.