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Updated: Feb 9, 2026

Forward Genetic Screen Using Transgenic Calcium Reporter Aequorin to Identify Novel Targets in Calcium Signaling
08:46

Forward Genetic Screen Using Transgenic Calcium Reporter Aequorin to Identify Novel Targets in Calcium Signaling

Published on: August 1, 2020

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Calcium signaling and the therapeutic targeting of cancer cells

Alice H L Bong1, Gregory R Monteith2

  • 1The School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Molecular Cell Research
|May 30, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Altering calcium (Ca2+) signaling pathways presents a promising strategy for cancer treatment. Targeting calcium channels, pumps, and exchangers could enhance current cancer therapies and overcome drug resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Calcium (Ca2+) signaling is crucial for tumor progression, influencing proliferation and invasiveness.
  • Calcium signaling also plays a role in the development of resistance to cancer therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review calcium (Ca2+) channels, pumps, and exchangers as potential drug targets in cancer.
  • To discuss factors for selecting optimal Ca2+ signaling targets for novel cancer drug development.
  • To explore the intersection of current cancer therapies with Ca2+ signaling and the potential for pharmacological modulation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of Ca2+ signaling in cancer progression.
  • Analysis of Ca2+ channels, pumps, and exchangers as drug targets.
  • Examination of Ca2+ signaling's role in therapy resistance and response.
  • Review of therapeutic opportunities involving Ca2+ signal modulators.

Main Results:

  • Ca2+ channels, pumps, and exchangers represent viable drug targets for specific cancer types.
  • Optimizing Ca2+ signaling targets requires careful consideration of various factors for drug development.
  • Pharmacological manipulation of Ca2+ signaling can potentially enhance the efficacy of existing cancer treatments.
  • The tumor microenvironment offers new therapeutic avenues for Ca2+ signal modulators.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting calcium (Ca2+) signaling machinery offers a novel approach to cancer therapy.
  • Modulating Ca2+ signaling can potentially overcome drug resistance and improve treatment outcomes.
  • Further research into Ca2+ signal modulators holds promise for developing new cancer drugs.
Keywords:
CalciumCalcium signalCancerCytotoxicsResistanceTherapeutics

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