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Updated: Aug 30, 2025
Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of Ion Channels in Cancer: Characterization and Potential Treatment Approaches
Published on: June 16, 2023
Targeting the two-pore channel 2 in cancer progression and metastasis
Kathryn A Skelding1,2, Daniel L Barry1,2, Danielle Z Theron1,2
1Cancer Cell Biology Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia.
Abstract:
The importance of Ca2+ signaling, and particularly Ca2+ channels, in key events of cancer cell function such as proliferation, metastasis, autophagy and angiogenesis, has recently begun to be appreciated. Of particular note are two-pore channels (TPCs), a group of recently identified Ca2+-channels, located within the endolysosomal system. TPC2 has recently emerged as an intracellular ion channel of significant pathophysiological relevance, specifically in cancer, and interest in its role as an anti-cancer drug target has begun to be explored. Herein, an overview of the cancer-related functions of TPC2 and a discussion of its potential as a target for therapeutic intervention, including a summary of clinical trials examining the TPC2 inhibitors, naringenin, tetrandrine, and verapamil for the treatment of various cancers is provided.
Insights
Two-pore channels (TPCs) regulate cancer cell functions. TPC2, an intracellular ion channel, shows potential as an anti-cancer drug target, with clinical trials exploring its inhibitors for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Calcium (Ca²⁺) signaling is crucial for cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, autophagy, and angiogenesis.
- Two-pore channels (TPCs) are a class of Ca²⁺ channels located in the endolysosomal system.
- TPC2 has emerged as a significant factor in cancer pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of TPC2's cancer-related functions.
- To discuss TPC2's potential as an anti-cancer drug target.
- To summarize clinical trials involving TPC2 inhibitors for cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of TPC2's role in cancer.
- Analysis of TPC2's function in cellular processes.
- Summary of ongoing and completed clinical trials for TPC2 inhibitors.
Main Results:
- TPC2 plays a key role in various cancer cell functions.
- TPC2 inhibitors demonstrate potential for therapeutic intervention.
- Clinical trials are investigating naringenin, tetrandrine, and verapamil for cancer treatment.
Conclusions:
- TPC2 is a promising anti-cancer drug target.
- Further research and clinical evaluation of TPC2 inhibitors are warranted.
- Targeting TPC2 offers a novel therapeutic strategy for various cancers.
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