Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of Ion Channels in Cancer: Characterization and Potential Treatment Approaches
Published on: June 16, 2023
Novel insights into ion channels in cancer stem cells (Review)
Qijiao Cheng1, Anhai Chen1, Qian Du1
1Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical College, Zunyi, Guizhou 563003, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are immortal cells in tumor tissues that have been proposed as the driving force of tumorigenesis and tumor invasion. Previously, ion channels were revealed to contribute to cancer cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that ion channels are present in various CSCs; however, the functions of ion channels and their mechanisms in CSCs remain unknown. The present review aimed to focus on the roles of ion channels in the regulation of CSC behavior and the CSC-like properties of cancer cells. Evaluation of the relationship between ion channels and CSCs is critically important for understanding malignancy.
Related Concept Videos
Ion Channels
Ion channels are specialized integral membrane proteins on the plasma membrane that allow...
Non-gated Ion Channels
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism....
Mechanically-gated Ion Channels
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...
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...
G-Protein Gated Ion Channels
Sensory...

