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Updated: Mar 18, 2026

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of Ion Channels in Cancer: Characterization and Potential Treatment Approaches
Published on: June 16, 2023
Biophysics in cancer: The relevance of drug-membrane interaction studies
Ana Catarina Alves1, Daniela Ribeiro1, Cláudia Nunes1
1UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
Abstract:
Lipidomics has been proving that membrane lipids play a crucial role in several cell functions and are involved in several pathologies, including cancer. In fact, beyond a scaffold where proteins and other components are embedded, the cell membrane can also act as a barrier or a target for anticancer drugs. From this point of view, the development of new chemotherapeutic agents should also take into account the role of the membrane in their activity. This Review aims to highlight the importance of anticancer drug-membrane interactions as a powerful strategy to improve cancer therapy. Biophysical techniques emerge, therefore, as essential tools to unveil such interactions.
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