Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Real-Time cAMP Detection in Cells Using cADDis Biosensor
Published on: March 22, 2024
Diabetes and cancer: Debating the link through Ca2+/cAMP signalling
1Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo, 669, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 04039-032, Brazil.
Abstract:
The incidence of both cancer and diabetes is dramatically increasing in worldwide population, costing many millions from governments into expenditures related to medical health systems. Diabetes has been clinically linked to an increased risk for developing several types of cancer. The cellular mechanisms involved in this link are still under intensive debate in literature. In addition, a Ca2+ homeostasis dysregulation has been intensively debated as an issue involved in both cancer and diabetes. Calcium (Ca2+) channel blockers (CCBs), prescribed for treating hypertension, have also been showing anti-cancer effects along with reducing diabetes symptoms. A debated mechanism of action could rest in the fact that CCBs may restore Ca2+ homeostasis dysregulations, involved in both diseases. Our studies about Ca2+/cAMP signalling may add some new light in this field. In this review, I have debated the possible involvement of Ca2+/cAMP signalling in the clinical link between diabetes and a higher risk for the development of several types of cancer, including the plausible involvement in both anti-cancer and anti-diabetic effects of CCBs.
Related Concept Videos
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
Covalently Linked Protein Regulators
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein....
X-linked Traits
cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase Pathways
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...

