Ion Channel Signaling in Cancer

Dear Colleagues,

Cancer refers to many diseases characterized by the development of abnormal and uncontrollably cells grow with the ability to spread, infiltrate, and destroy other regions and organs in normal body tissue. This process is referred to as metastasis, which represents a major cause of the death from cancer. Indeed, cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with an estimated number of deaths reaching around 9.6 million per year, and according to the World Health Organization represents a huge public health problem.

Ion channels are pore-forming proteins which allows specific ions (e.g., Ca²⁺, K⁺, Na⁺) to cross the membrane thus creating an electrochemical gradient. They can be voltage dependent activated, controlled by neurotransmitter and second messengers or respond to mechanical and thermal stimuli. Some evidence suggests ion channels as key modulators in growth signals, proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, cell differentiation, migration, adhesion, and metastasis in tumor cells. Thus, the role of ion channels as a therapeutical target for an anticancer treatment is innovative and needs additional investigation. 

The purpose of this Issue is to host research and review articles relating to the complex regulatory role of ion channels on pathological processes in different types of cancer.

Dr. Francesco De Logu
Dr. Daniel Souza Monteiro De Araújo
Dr. Romina Nassini
Guest Editors

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