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T-type Ca2+ Channels: T for Targetable

Marta C Sallán1, Anna Visa1, Soni Shaikh1

  • 1Laboratory of Calcium Signaling, IRBLleida. Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain.

Cancer Research
|January 19, 2018
PubMed

Insights

T-type Ca2+ channels (TTCC) regulate cancer cell biology and are potential chemotherapeutic targets. Pharmacologic blockers show promise in reducing cancer cell viability and tumor size, warranting further investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • T-type Ca2+ channels (TTCC) are increasingly recognized as critical regulators of cancer cell proliferation and survival.
  • Pharmacologic blockade of TTCCs has demonstrated anti-cancer effects in preclinical studies.
  • Mibefradil, a withdrawn antihypertensive drug, received orphan drug status for investigating its efficacy in brain, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence on TTCC expression and prognostic value in cancer.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of TTCC pharmacologic blockade in preclinical cancer models.
  • To summarize the clinical trial status of mibefradil for glioblastoma multiforme.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on TTCC expression, prognostic value, and pharmacologic blockade in cancer.
  • Analysis of in vitro and in vivo preclinical data.
  • Summary of ongoing clinical trials involving mibefradil.

Main Results:

  • TTCCs play a significant role in cancer cell biology.
  • TTCC blockers negatively impact cancer cell viability and tumor growth in preclinical settings.
  • Challenges remain due to channel isoform diversity and lack of selective agents.

Conclusions:

  • TTCCs represent a promising target for cancer therapy.
  • Further research and development of selective TTCC inhibitors are crucial.
  • Multidisciplinary efforts are needed to fully realize the potential of TTCCs as biomarkers or therapeutic targets in oncology.

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