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Updated: Apr 4, 2026
Fluorescence-based Measurement of Store-operated Calcium Entry in Live Cells: from Cultured Cancer Cell to Skeletal Muscle Fiber
Published on: February 13, 2012
SOCE and cancer: Recent progress and new perspectives
Jiansheng Xie1, Hongming Pan1,2, Junlin Yao2
1Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Abstract:
Ca(2+) acts as a universal and versatile second messenger in the regulation of a myriad of biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and apoptosis. Store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) mediated by ORAI and the stromal interaction molecule (STIM) constitutes one of the major routes of calcium entry in nonexcitable cells, in which the depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores triggers activation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident Ca(2+) sensor protein STIM to gate and open the ORAI Ca(2+) channels in the plasma membrane (PM). Accumulating evidence indicates that SOCE plays critical roles in cancer cell proliferation, metastasis and tumor neovascularization, as well as in antitumor immunity. We summarize herein the recent advances in our understanding of the function of SOCE in various types of tumor cells, vascular endothelial cells and cells of the immune system. Finally, the therapeutic potential of SOCE inhibitors in the treatment of cancer is also discussed.
Insights
Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE), regulated by ORAI and STIM proteins, is crucial for cancer progression and immunity. Targeting SOCE offers a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Calcium ions (Ca2+) are vital second messengers regulating diverse cellular functions.
- Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) is a primary calcium influx pathway in non-excitable cells, involving STIM proteins sensing ER calcium depletion to gate ORAI channels.
- SOCE is implicated in critical cancer processes like proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis, and also influences antitumor immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding SOCE function in various cancer-related cells.
- To explore the role of SOCE in tumor cells, vascular endothelial cells, and immune cells.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of SOCE inhibitors for cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific publications.
- Synthesis of findings on SOCE mechanisms and functions.
- Analysis of therapeutic implications of targeting SOCE in cancer.
Main Results:
- SOCE is essential for cancer cell proliferation, migration, and neovascularization.
- SOCE modulates the activity of immune cells involved in antitumor responses.
- Dysregulation of SOCE is a common feature in various cancer types.
Conclusions:
- SOCE is a key regulator of cancer cell behavior and the tumor microenvironment.
- Inhibitors of SOCE represent a potential therapeutic avenue for cancer management.
- Further research into SOCE pathways could unveil novel cancer treatment strategies.
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