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Anti-cancer drugs interfere with intracellular calcium signaling

Ana-Maria Florea1, Dietrich Büsselberg

  • 1Institut für Physiologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122 Essen, Germany.

Neurotoxicology
|May 26, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Certain metals induce cell death, with some anticancer drugs like cisplatin and arsenic trioxide selectively triggering apoptosis in cancer cells. This review explores how these metallic compounds affect calcium homeostasis.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Metal compounds exhibit dual roles, with some essential for cellular function and others acting as toxins or carcinogens.
  • Metals can induce cell death via necrosis or apoptosis, with apoptosis being a key target for anticancer therapies.
  • Intracellular calcium concentration (calcium homeostasis) is implicated in both metal-induced toxicity and the therapeutic effects of anticancer drugs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the influence of specific metallic compounds on calcium homeostasis.
  • To explore the role of calcium in metal-induced toxicity and anticancer drug efficacy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on the effects of cisplatin, arsenic trioxide, and trimethyltin chloride on calcium homeostasis.
  • Analysis of existing evidence linking metal-induced apoptosis and calcium signaling.

Main Results:

  • Metallic compounds like cisplatin and arsenic trioxide can selectively induce apoptosis in cancer cells, potentially due to higher cellular turnover.
  • Modulations in intracellular calcium concentration are suggested to be involved in both the toxic effects of metals and the beneficial actions of anticancer drugs.
  • The review examines the impact of cisplatin, arsenic trioxide, and trimethyltin chloride on cellular calcium levels.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the impact of metallic compounds on calcium homeostasis is crucial for both toxicology and cancer therapy.
  • Targeting calcium signaling pathways may offer novel strategies for enhancing the efficacy of metal-based anticancer drugs.
  • Further research into the specific mechanisms by which metals influence calcium homeostasis is warranted.

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