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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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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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James AD, Unthank KP, Jones I, Sajjaboontawee N, Sizer RE, Chawla S, Evans GJO, Brackenbury WJ. Sodium regulates PLC and IP 3 R-mediated calcium signaling in invasive breast cancer cells. Physiol Rep 2023; 11:e15663. [PMID: 37017052 PMCID: PMC10074044 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular Ca2+ signaling and Na+ homeostasis are inextricably linked via ion channels and co-transporters, with alterations in the concentration of one ion having profound effects on the other. Evidence indicates that intracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+ ]i ) is elevated in breast tumors, and that aberrant Ca2+ signaling regulates numerous key cancer hallmark processes. The present study therefore aimed to determine the effects of Na+ depletion on intracellular Ca2+ handling in metastatic breast cancer cell lines. The relationship between Na+ and Ca2+ was probed using fura-2 and SBFI fluorescence imaging and replacement of extracellular Na+ with equimolar N-methyl-D-glucamine (0Na+ /NMDG) or choline chloride (0Na+ /ChoCl). In triple-negative MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells and Her2+ SKBR3 cells, but not ER+ MCF-7 cells, 0Na+ /NMDG and 0Na+ /ChoCl resulted in a slow, sustained depletion in [Na+ ]i that was accompanied by a rapid and sustained increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+ ]i ). Application of La3+ in nominal Ca2+ -free conditions had no effect on this response, ruling out reverse-mode NCX activity and Ca2+ entry channels. Moreover, the Na+ -linked [Ca2+ ]i increase was independent of membrane potential hyperpolarization (NS-1619), but was inhibited by pharmacological blockade of IP3 receptors (2-APB), phospholipase C (PLC, U73122) or following depletion of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores (cyclopiazonic acid). Thus, Na+ is linked to PLC/IP3 -mediated activation of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release in metastatic breast cancer cells and this may have an important role in breast tumors where [Na+ ]i is perturbed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D. James
- Department of BiologyUniversity of YorkYorkUK
- York Biomedical Research InstituteUniversity of YorkYorkUK
| | | | | | - Nattanan Sajjaboontawee
- Department of BiologyUniversity of YorkYorkUK
- York Biomedical Research InstituteUniversity of YorkYorkUK
| | | | - Sangeeta Chawla
- Department of BiologyUniversity of YorkYorkUK
- York Biomedical Research InstituteUniversity of YorkYorkUK
| | - Gareth J. O. Evans
- Department of BiologyUniversity of YorkYorkUK
- York Biomedical Research InstituteUniversity of YorkYorkUK
| | - William J. Brackenbury
- Department of BiologyUniversity of YorkYorkUK
- York Biomedical Research InstituteUniversity of YorkYorkUK
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Mao W, Zhang J, Körner H, Jiang Y, Ying S. The Emerging Role of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels in Tumor Biology. Front Oncol 2019; 9:124. [PMID: 30895169 PMCID: PMC6414428 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are transmembrane proteins which function as gates that control the flux of ions across the cell membrane. They are key ion channels for action potentials in excitable tissues and have important physiological functions. Abnormal function of VGSCs will lead to dysfunction of the body and trigger a variety of diseases. Various studies have demonstrated the participation of VGSCs in the progression of different tumors, such as prostate cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer, and others, linking VGSC to the invasive capacity of tumor cells. However, it is still unclear whether the VGSC regulate the malignant biological behavior of tumors. Therefore, this paper systematically addresses the latest research progress on VGSCs subunits and tumors and the underlying mechanisms, and it summarizes the potential of VGSCs subunits to serve as potential targets for tumor diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijia Mao
- Key Laboratory of Oral Disease Research of Anhui Province, College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Oral Disease Research of Anhui Province, College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Heinrich Körner
- Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Yong Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Oral Disease Research of Anhui Province, College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Songcheng Ying
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Fraser SP, Ozerlat-Gunduz I, Brackenbury WJ, Fitzgerald EM, Campbell TM, Coombes RC, Djamgoz MBA. Regulation of voltage-gated sodium channel expression in cancer: hormones, growth factors and auto-regulation. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2014; 369:20130105. [PMID: 24493753 PMCID: PMC3917359 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although ion channels are increasingly being discovered in cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, and shown to contribute to different aspects and stages of the cancer process, much less is known about the mechanisms controlling their expression. Here, we focus on voltage-gated Na+ channels (VGSCs) which are upregulated in many types of carcinomas where their activity potentiates cell behaviours integral to the metastatic cascade. Regulation of VGSCs occurs at a hierarchy of levels from transcription to post-translation. Importantly, mainstream cancer mechanisms, especially hormones and growth factors, play a significant role in the regulation. On the whole, in major hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer, there is a negative association between genomic steroid hormone sensitivity and functional VGSC expression. Activity-dependent regulation by positive feedback has been demonstrated in strongly metastatic cells whereby the VGSC is self-sustaining, with its activity promoting further functional channel expression. Such auto-regulation is unlike normal cells in which activity-dependent regulation occurs mostly via negative feedback. Throughout, we highlight the possible clinical implications of functional VGSC expression and regulation in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott P Fraser
- Neuroscience Solutions to Cancer Research Group, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, , South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
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Diogo CV, Félix L, Vilela S, Burgeiro A, Barbosa IA, Carvalho MJ, Oliveira PJ, Peixoto FP. Mitochondrial toxicity of the phyotochemicals daphnetoxin and daphnoretin – Relevance for possible anti-cancer application. Toxicol In Vitro 2009; 23:772-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2009.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2008] [Revised: 04/01/2009] [Accepted: 04/02/2009] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Chioni AM, Brackenbury WJ, Calhoun JD, Isom LL, Djamgoz MBA. A novel adhesion molecule in human breast cancer cells: voltage-gated Na+ channel beta1 subunit. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2009; 41:1216-27. [PMID: 19041953 PMCID: PMC2678854 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2008.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2008] [Revised: 10/30/2008] [Accepted: 11/01/2008] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Voltage-gated Na(+) channels (VGSCs), predominantly the 'neonatal' splice form of Na(v)1.5 (nNa(v)1.5), are upregulated in metastatic breast cancer (BCa) and potentiate metastatic cell behaviours. VGSCs comprise one pore-forming alpha subunit and one or more beta subunits. The latter modulate VGSC expression and gating, and can function as cell adhesion molecules of the immunoglobulin superfamily. The aims of this study were (1) to determine which beta subunits were expressed in weakly metastatic MCF-7 and strongly metastatic MDA-MB-231 human BCa cells, and (2) to investigate the possible role of beta subunits in adhesion and migration. In both cell lines, the beta subunit mRNA expression profile was SCN1B (encoding beta1)>>SCN4B (encoding beta4)>SCN2B (encoding beta2); SCN3B (encoding beta3) was not detected. MCF-7 cells had much higher levels of all beta subunit mRNAs than MDA-MB-231 cells, and beta1 mRNA was the most abundant. Similarly, beta1 protein was strongly expressed in MCF-7 and barely detectable in MDA-MB-231 cells. In MCF-7 cells transfected with siRNA targeting beta1, adhesion was reduced by 35%, while migration was increased by 121%. The increase in migration was reversed by tetrodotoxin (TTX). In addition, levels of nNa(v)1.5 mRNA and protein were increased following beta1 down-regulation. Stable expression of beta1 in MDA-MB-231 cells increased functional VGSC activity, process length and adhesion, and reduced lateral motility and proliferation. We conclude that beta1 is a novel cell adhesion molecule in BCa cells and can control VGSC (nNa(v)1.5) expression and, concomitantly, cellular migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athina-Myrto Chioni
- Neuroscience Solutions to Cancer Research Group, Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
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