Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

Intra-Cardiac Injection of Human Prostate Cancer Cells to Create a Bone Metastasis Xenograft Mouse Model
Published on: November 4, 2022
Voltage-gated sodium channel activity promotes prostate cancer metastasis in vivo
Senay Yildirim1, Seyhan Altun2, Hatice Gumushan3
1Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Istanbul University, Vezneciler, Istanbul 34134, Turkey; Division of Cell & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
Abstract:
Epigenetic upregulation of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) has been reported in a number of carcinoma cell lines and tissues. Furthermore, a large body of experimental evidence suggested that functional VGSC expression enhances various in vitro cell behaviours, such as directional motility, that would be involved in the metastatic cascade. However, it is not known if VGSC activity promotes metastasis in vivo. Here, using the Copenhagen rat model of prostate cancer and blocking VGSC activity in primary tumours with tetrodotoxin, we show (1) that the number of lung metastasis is reduced by >40% and (2) that lifespan is significantly improved.
Related Concept Videos
Voltage-gated Ion Channels
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...
Voltage-gated Ion Channels
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
Ligand-gated Ion Channels
Three Subfamilies of Ligand-gated Ion Channels
Ligand-gated ion channels fall into three subfamilies. The 'Cys-loop' includes the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors. The second one is the 'Pore-loop' channels that include the...
Mechanically-gated Ion Channels
G-Protein Gated Ion Channels
Sensory organs,...

