Ion Channels in Cancer: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Targets
A special issue of Cells (ISSN 2073-4409).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 27 February 2026 | Viewed by 10
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Ion channels are central to cellular homeostasis and have emerged as key regulators in cancer, affecting processes such as proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and immune evasion. Their dysregulation contributes to tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and resistance to therapy, positioning ion channels as both promising therapeutic targets and valuable biomarkers.
Recent advances in structural biology, electrophysiology, and multi-omics technologies have deepened our understanding of ion channel–related pathologies in cancer, unveiling novel roles in shaping the tumor microenvironment, reprogramming cellular metabolism, and mediating intercellular communication. Yet, despite these insights, translating mechanistic discoveries into clinical impact remains a formidable challenge, due to limitations in drug specificity, off-target effects, and the complexity of ion channel regulation in vivo—one that demands interdisciplinary collaboration across molecular biology, bioengineering, pharmacology, and translational oncology.
This Special Issue invites original research articles, reviews, and perspectives focused on the multifaceted roles of ion channels in cancer. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Mechanisms underlying ion channel dysregulation in cancer initiation and progression.
- Ion channel involvement in metastasis and tumor–stroma interactions.
- Channel-mediated crosstalk with immune cells and contributions to therapeutic resistance.
- Novel approaches to targeting ion channels for diagnostics and treatment.
- Computational and experimental models for studying ion channel function in oncogenesis.
We welcome contributions from diverse disciplines aiming to advance our understanding of ion channels in cancer and accelerate the development of innovative, precision-based therapies. Join us in shaping the future of this rapidly evolving field. Submit your manuscript to contribute to this rapidly advancing field and help translate mechanistic insights into clinical breakthroughs.
Dr. Saverio Gentile
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- ion channels
- cancer therapeutic targeting
- tumor microenvironment
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