Ion Channels & Homeostasis of Ions in Cancer Cell Fate

Ion channels are the basic excitatory units on the membranes of many tissue cells, such as nerves, muscles, and glands, which can generate and conduct electrical signals. Ion channels are not only directly associated with excitability, but can also further influence and control transmitter release, gland secretion, muscle movement, cell division, reproduction, and even play important roles in learning, memory and maintenance of constant cell volume and internal environmental stability. Ion channels comprise a wide spectrum of proteins, including calcium channels, ligand-gated ion channels, sodium channels, chloride channels, sodium channels, transient receptor potential channels, cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channels, potassium channels. Gating of ion channels and the ensuing ion fluctuation is a highly complex process that involves ion homeostasis, the initiation of signaling networks, and changes in cellular microenvironment.

Integral membrane proteins of Ion channels assemble to modulate the flow of ions into and out of a cell or intracellular organelle, leading to generation of electrical or chemical signals and regulating ion homeostasis. The abundance of ion channels in the plasma and intracellular membranes are subject to physiological and pathological regulations. Abnormal expressions of many ion channels in cancer have been observed and described. In the present issue, different ion channel distribution in cancer cells will be summarized. Pathophysiological implications related to ion channel distribution as well as functions will be highlighted.

This special issue focuses on distribution and functional aspects of ion channels in cancer, including;

- Ion channel distribution in cancer cells
- Ion channels and their effects on tumor microenvironment
- Ion channels and their influence on cancer pain
- Ion channel implications on cancer metabolism
- Ion channel and calcium signaling in cancer
- Ion channels and ion homeostasis in cancer
- Ion channels and cancer drug resistance
- Ion channels as a potential cancer therapeutic and chemotherapeutic drug target

Important Note: Manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics, computational analysis, or predictions of public databases which are not accompanied by validation (independent cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) will not be accepted in any of the sections of Frontiers in Oncology