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Liu H, Weng J, Huang CLH, Jackson AP. Voltage-gated sodium channels in cancers. Biomark Res 2024; 12:70. [PMID: 39060933 PMCID: PMC11282680 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00620-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) initiate action potentials in electrically excitable cells and tissues. Surprisingly, some VGSC genes are aberrantly expressed in a variety of cancers, derived from "non-excitable" tissues that do not generate classic action potentials, showing potential as a promising pharmacological target for cancer. Most of the previous review articles on this topic are limited in scope, and largely unable to provide researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the role of VGSC in cancers. Here, we review the expression patterns of all nine VGSC α-subunit genes (SCN1A-11A) and their four regulatory β-subunit genes (SCN1B-4B). We reviewed data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, complemented by an extensive search of the published papers. We summarized and reviewed previous independent studies and analyzed the VGSC genes in the TCGA database regarding the potential impact of VGSC on cancers. A comparison between evidence gathered from independent studies and data review was performed to scrutinize potential biases in prior research and provide insights into future research directions. The review supports the view that VGSCs play an important role in diagnostics as well as therapeutics of some cancer types, such as breast, colon, prostate, and lung cancer. This paper provides an overview of the current knowledge on voltage-gated sodium channels in cancer, as well as potential avenues for further research. While further research is required to fully understand the role of VGSCs in cancer, the potential of VGSCs for clinical diagnosis and treatment is promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengrui Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, Hopkins Building, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK.
| | - Jieling Weng
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Christopher L-H Huang
- Department of Biochemistry, Hopkins Building, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Antony P Jackson
- Department of Biochemistry, Hopkins Building, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK.
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Bian Y, Tuo J, He L, Li W, Li S, Chu H, Zhao Y. Voltage-gated sodium channels in cancer and their specific inhibitors. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 251:154909. [PMID: 37939447 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) participate in generating and spreading action potentials in electrically excited cells such as neurons and muscle fibers. Abnormal expression of VGSCs has been observed in various types of tumors, while they are either not expressed or expressed at a low level in the matching normal tissue. Hence, this abnormal expression suggests that VGSCs confer some advantage or viability on tumor cells, making them a valuable indicator for identifying tumor cells. In addition, overexpression of VGSCs increased the ability of cancer cells to metastasize and invade, as well as correlated with the metastatic behavior of different cancers. Therefore, blocking VGSCs presents a new strategy for the treatment of cancers. A portion of this review summarizes the structure and function of VGSCs and also describes the correlation between VGSCs and cancers. Most importantly, we provide an overview of current research on various subtype-selective VGSC inhibitors and updates on ongoing clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Bian
- School of Life Science and Bio-Pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Jiale Tuo
- School of Life Science and Bio-Pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Liangpeng He
- School of Life Science and Bio-Pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Wenwen Li
- School of Life Science and Bio-Pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Shangxiao Li
- School of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Benxi, Liaoning 117004, PR China
| | - Huiying Chu
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Design, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Yongshan Zhao
- School of Life Science and Bio-Pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China.
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Malcolm JR, Sajjaboontawee N, Yerlikaya S, Plunkett-Jones C, Boxall PJ, Brackenbury WJ. Voltage-gated sodium channels, sodium transport and progression of solid tumours. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2023; 92:71-98. [PMID: 38007270 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Sodium (Na+) concentration in solid tumours of different origin is highly dysregulated, and this corresponds to the aberrant expression of Na+ transporters. In particular, the α subunits of voltage gated Na+ channels (VGSCs) raise intracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+]i) in malignant cells, which influences the progression of solid tumours, predominantly driving cancer cells towards a more aggressive and metastatic phenotype. Conversely, re-expression of VGSC β subunits in cancer cells can either enhance tumour progression or promote anti-tumourigenic properties. Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, highlighting an important area of research which urgently requires improved therapeutic interventions. Here, we review the extent to which VGSC subunits are dysregulated in solid tumours, and consider the implications of such dysregulation on solid tumour progression. We discuss current understanding of VGSC-dependent mechanisms underlying increased invasive and metastatic potential of solid tumours, and how the complex relationship between the tumour microenvironment (TME) and VGSC expression may further drive tumour progression, in part due to the interplay of infiltrating immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and insufficient supply of oxygen (hypoxia). Finally, we explore past and present clinical trials that investigate utilising existing VGSC modulators as potential pharmacological options to support adjuvant chemotherapies to prevent cancer recurrence. Such research demonstrates an exciting opportunity to repurpose therapeutics in order to improve the disease-free survival of patients with aggressive solid tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie R Malcolm
- Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
| | - Nattanan Sajjaboontawee
- Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom; York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
| | - Serife Yerlikaya
- Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom; Istanbul Medipol University, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Peter J Boxall
- Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom; York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, York, United Kingdom
| | - William J Brackenbury
- Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom; York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom.
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Sanchez-Sandoval AL, Hernández-Plata E, Gomora JC. Voltage-gated sodium channels: from roles and mechanisms in the metastatic cell behavior to clinical potential as therapeutic targets. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1206136. [PMID: 37456756 PMCID: PMC10348687 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1206136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
During the second half of the last century, the prevalent knowledge recognized the voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) as the proteins responsible for the generation and propagation of action potentials in excitable cells. However, over the last 25 years, new non-canonical roles of VGSCs in cancer hallmarks have been uncovered. Their dysregulated expression and activity have been associated with aggressive features and cancer progression towards metastatic stages, suggesting the potential use of VGSCs as cancer markers and prognostic factors. Recent work has elicited essential information about the signalling pathways modulated by these channels: coupling membrane activity to transcriptional regulation pathways, intracellular and extracellular pH regulation, invadopodia maturation, and proteolytic activity. In a promising scenario, the inhibition of VGSCs with FDA-approved drugs as well as with new synthetic compounds, reduces cancer cell invasion in vitro and cancer progression in vivo. The purpose of this review is to present an update regarding recent advances and ongoing efforts to have a better understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms on the involvement of both pore-forming α and auxiliary β subunits of VGSCs in the metastatic processes, with the aim at proposing VGSCs as new oncological markers and targets for anticancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Laura Sanchez-Sandoval
- Departamento de Neuropatología Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Medicina Genómica, Hospital General de México “Dr Eduardo Liceaga”, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Everardo Hernández-Plata
- Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencias y Tecnologías and Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juan Carlos Gomora
- Departamento de Neuropatología Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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Möller S, Saul N, Projahn E, Barrantes I, Gézsi A, Walter M, Antal P, Fuellen G. Gene co-expression analyses of health(span) across multiple species. NAR Genom Bioinform 2022; 4:lqac083. [PMID: 36458022 PMCID: PMC9706456 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqac083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Health(span)-related gene clusters/modules were recently identified based on knowledge about the cross-species genetic basis of health, to interpret transcriptomic datasets describing health-related interventions. However, the cross-species comparison of health-related observations reveals a lot of heterogeneity, not least due to widely varying health(span) definitions and study designs, posing a challenge for the exploration of conserved healthspan modules and, specifically, their transfer across species. To improve the identification and exploration of conserved/transferable healthspan modules, here we apply an established workflow based on gene co-expression network analyses employing GEO/ArrayExpress data for human and animal models, and perform a comprehensive meta-study of the resulting modules related to health(span), yielding a small set of literature backed health(span) candidate genes. For each experiment, WGCNA (weighted gene correlation network analysis) was used to infer modules of genes which correlate in their expression with a 'health phenotype score' and to determine the most-connected (hub) genes (and their interactions) for each such module. After mapping these hub genes to their human orthologs, 12 health(span) genes were identified in at least two species (ACTN3, ANK1, MRPL18, MYL1, PAXIP1, PPP1CA, SCN3B, SDCBP, SKIV2L, TUBG1, TYROBP, WIPF1), for which enrichment analysis by g:profiler found an association with actin filament-based movement and associated organelles, as well as muscular structures. We conclude that a meta-study of hub genes from co-expression network analyses for the complex phenotype health(span), across multiple species, can yield molecular-mechanistic insights and can direct experimentalists to further investigate the contribution of individual genes and their interactions to health(span).
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Möller
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +49 381 494 7361; Fax: +49 381 494 7203;
| | - Nadine Saul
- Humboldt-University of Berlin, Institute of Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elias Projahn
- Rostock University Medical Center, Institute for Biostatistics and Informatics in Medicine and Ageing Research, Rostock, Germany
| | - Israel Barrantes
- Rostock University Medical Center, Institute for Biostatistics and Informatics in Medicine and Ageing Research, Rostock, Germany
| | - András Gézsi
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Department of Measurement and Information Systems, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Michael Walter
- Rostock University Medical Center, Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Rostock, Germany
| | - Péter Antal
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Department of Measurement and Information Systems, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Georg Fuellen
- Rostock University Medical Center, Institute for Biostatistics and Informatics in Medicine and Ageing Research, Rostock, Germany
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Li L, Zhang C, Wang Z, Guo Y, Wang Y, Fan X, Jiang T. Expression changes in ion channel and immunity genes are associated with glioma-related epilepsy in patients with diffuse gliomas. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022; 148:2793-2802. [PMID: 35581384 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04049-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioma-related epilepsy (GRE) is a common symptom in patients with diffuse gliomas. However, the underlying mechanisms of GRE remain unclear. The current study aimed to investigate the underlying epileptogenic mechanisms of GRE through RNA sequencing analysis. METHODS Demographic, RNA sequencing, and follow-up data of 643 patients were reviewed. Patients were divided into test and validation groups (223 and 420 patients, respectively) by different time periods for RNA sequencing. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with preoperative GRE were identified using R software. Functional enrichment analysis was subsequently performed, and tissue-infiltrating immune cells were also estimated. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was conducted to further identify key modules exhibiting the highest correlation with preoperative GRE. Overlapping genes between the DEG set and key gene set identified by WGCNA were selected and verified in the validation cohort. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was then constructed to identify hub genes for preoperative GRE. RESULTS A total of 219 DEGs were identified, among which 112 were upregulated and 107 downregulated in patients with GRE. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that upregulated DEGs were related to ion channel activity, while downregulated genes were related to immunity. Forty-two genes were further selected from overlapping DEGs and the key gene set. Among these genes, 31 genes showed significant differences in the validation cohort. Finally, the PPI network analysis identified six genes, including SCN3B, KCNIP2, KCNJ11, VEGFA, MMP9, and ANXA2, as hub genes for GRE. CONCLUSION The current study revealed that ion channel activity and immunity dysfunction in diffuse glioma patients contributed to the occurrence of GRE, and SCN3B might be a shared therapeutic target for both diffuse gliomas and GRE. These findings could improve the understanding of the mechanisms of GRE and promote individualized medications for glioma management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianwang Li
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanbao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhao Guo
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinyan Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing Fan
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tao Jiang
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, People's Republic of China.
- Research Units of Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment of Brain Tumors and Translational Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China.
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