Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2025

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of Ion Channels in Cancer: Characterization and Potential Treatment Approaches
Published on: June 16, 2023
Targeting Ion Channels for the Treatment of Glioma
Saritha Keluth1, Srikanth Jitte1, Rashmi Bhushan1
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, Vaishali, 844102, Bihar, India.
Background:
Glioma refers to the most aggressive tumor in the central nervous system that starts from support cells or glial cells. The glial cell is the most common cell type in the CNS, and they insulate, surround, as well as feed, oxygen, and nutrition to the neurons. Seizures, headaches, irritability, vision difficulties, and weakness are some of the symptoms. Targeting ion channels is particularly helpful when it comes to glioma treatment because of their substantial activity in glioma genesis through multiple pathways.
Objective:
In this study, we explore how distinct ion channels can be targeted for glioma treatment and summarize the pathogenic ion channels activity in gliomas.
Results:
Current research found several side effects such as bone marrow suppression, alopecia, insomnia, and cognitive impairments for presently done chemotherapy. The involvement of research on ion channels in the regulation of cellular biology and towards improvements of glioma have expanded recognition of their innovative roles.
Conclusion:
Present review article has expanded knowledge of ion channels as therapeutic targets and detailed cellular mechanisms in the roles of ion channels in gliomas pathogenesis.
Insights
Targeting specific ion channels offers a promising new avenue for glioma treatment, potentially overcoming the side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy. This research highlights ion channels
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Glioma, a prevalent and aggressive central nervous system tumor, originates from glial cells, which are crucial for neuronal support.
- Symptoms include seizures, headaches, vision problems, and neurological deficits, significantly impacting patient quality of life.
Approach:
- This study reviews the pathogenic activity of ion channels in glioma development.
- It explores the potential of targeting distinct ion channels for novel glioma therapeutic strategies.
Key Points:
- Ion channels play a significant role in glioma genesis and progression through various cellular pathways.
- Current chemotherapy treatments for glioma present severe side effects, including bone marrow suppression and cognitive impairment.
- Research into ion channels offers innovative therapeutic targets, moving beyond conventional treatments.
Conclusions:
- This review enhances understanding of ion channels as viable therapeutic targets in glioma treatment.
- It details the cellular mechanisms through which ion channels contribute to glioma pathogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
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...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Ion Channels
Ion channels are specialized integral membrane proteins on the plasma membrane that allow...

