Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Modeling Oral-Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in 3D Organoids
10:43

Modeling Oral-Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in 3D Organoids

Published on: December 23, 2022

The role of Ca2+ channels in oral squamous cell carcinoma development

Kana Hasegawa1, Shinsuke Fujii2, Tamotsu Kiyoshima1

  • 1Laboratory of Oral Pathology, Division of Maxillofacial Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.

Journal of Oral Biosciences
|May 30, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mechanosensitive calcium channels, like Piezo1 and TRPV4, are crucial in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) development. Targeting these channels offers a promising new therapeutic strategy for OSCC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most prevalent oral malignancy.
  • Limited therapeutic targets exist for OSCC, necessitating research into novel molecular mechanisms.
  • Understanding OSCC tumorigenesis requires identifying key factors driving cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and its mechanosensitive ion channel receptors in OSCC.
  • To explore the involvement of mechanosensitive calcium (Ca2+) channels in OSCC progression.
  • To identify potential novel molecular targets for OSCC therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on the extracellular matrix (ECM) and mechanosensitive ion channels.
  • Analysis of studies investigating the function of ECM stiffness and mechanosensitive channels in cancer.
  • Examination of specific Ca2+ channels, including Piezo1 and TRPV4, in the context of OSCC.

Main Results:

  • The ECM, a component of the tumor microenvironment, supports tumor growth and progression.
  • Increased ECM stiffness provides mechanical cues that contribute to tumorigenesis.
  • Mechanosensitive ion channels act as ECM receptors, translating mechanical signals into cellular responses.
  • These channels influence intracellular signaling pathways, affecting tumor cell proliferation and behavior.

Conclusions:

  • Mechanosensitive Ca2+ channels, specifically Piezo1 and TRPV4, actively promote OSCC tumorigenesis.
  • These Ca2+ channels represent potential novel molecular targets for therapeutic intervention in OSCC.
  • Targeting mechanosensitive ion channels could offer a new strategy for treating oral cancer.
Keywords:
Mechanosensitive ion channelsOral squamous cell carcinomaPIEZO1TRPV4

More Related Videos

Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment07:29

Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment

Published on: April 22, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Cadherins in Tissue Organization01:19

Cadherins in Tissue Organization

The cadherins are a superfamily of cell adhesion molecules comprising over 180 variants, with specific tissues expressing a particular combination of cadherin types. Cadherins generally exhibit homophilic binding; i.e., cadherins on one cell bind to cadherins of the same or closely related type on another cell. Thus, cells of the same type have a specific affinity to bind to each other and sort themselves into clusters to form tissues.
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
Cancer Cell Migration through Invadopodia01:35

Cancer Cell Migration through Invadopodia

Invadosome is a broad category of cell surface structures with proteolytic activity that  degrades the extracellular matrix (ECM). Invadosomes are present in normal cell types, including macrophages, endothelial cells, and neurons, as well as tumor cells. Although the macrophage podosomes and tumor cell invadopodia are classified as invadosomes, they have different structures, molecular pathways, and functions. Podosomes are short structures that last for a few minutes. However, invadopodia can...
Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal01:12

Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal

Notch signaling was first discovered in Drosophila melanogaster, where it is involved in cell lineage differentiation. Notch signaling regulates the maintenance and differentiation of intestinal stem cells or ISCs by controlling the expression of atonal homolog 1 or Atoh1. Atoh1 directs cells to differentiate into secretory cells.
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...