Related Experiment Video For K+-Cl− cotransport
Updated: Oct 7, 2025

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of Ion Channels in Cancer: Characterization and Potential Treatment Approaches
Published on: June 16, 2023
The Important Role of Ion Transport System in Cervical Cancer
Yih-Fung Chen1,2, Meng-Ru Shen3,4
1Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Cervical cancer is a significant gynecological cancer and causes cancer-related deaths worldwide. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is implicated in the etiology of cervical malignancy. However, much evidence indicates that HPV infection is a necessary but not sufficient cause in cervical carcinogenesis. Therefore, the cellular pathophysiology of cervical cancer is worthy of study. This review summarizes the recent findings concerning the ion transport processes involved in cell volume regulation and intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis of epithelial cells and how these transport systems are themselves regulated by the tumor microenvironment. For cell volume regulation, we focused on the volume-sensitive Cl- channels and K+-Cl- cotransporter (KCC) family, important regulators for ionic and osmotic homeostasis of epithelial cells. Regarding intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, the Ca2+ store sensor STIM molecules and plasma membrane Ca2+ channel Orai proteins, the predominant Ca2+ entry mechanism in epithelial cells, are discussed. Furthermore, we evaluate the potential of these membrane ion transport systems as diagnostic biomarkers and pharmacological interventions and highlight the challenges.
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