Differential Expression of Ion Channels and Transporters During Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development

Identification of ABCC3 and its isoforms as potential biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma

Liver diseases preceding the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) play a crucial role in the progression and establishment of HCC, a malignancy ranked as the third deadliest cancer worldwide. Late diagnosis, alongside ineffective treatment, leads patients to a poor survival rate. This scenario argues for seeking novel alternatives for detecting liver alterations preceding the early occurrence of HCC. Experimental studies have reported that ABCC3 protein increases within HCC tumors but not in adjacent tissue. Therefore, we analyzed ABCC3 expression in public databases and investigated the presence of ABCC3 and its isoforms in plasma, urine and its release in extracellular vesicles (EVs) cargo from patients bearing cirrhosis and HCC. The UALCAN and GEPIA databases were used to analyze the expression of ABCC3 in HCC. The results were validated in a case-control study including 41 individuals bearing cirrhosis and HCC, and the levels of ABCC3 in plasma and urine samples, as well as EVs, were analyzed by ELISA and western blot. Our data showed that ABCC3 expression was higher in HCC tissues than in normal tissues and correlated with HCC grade and stage. ABCC3 protein levels were highly increased in both plasma and urine and correlated with liver disease progression and severity. The isoforms MRP3A and MRP3B of ABCC3 were significantly increased in both EVs and plasma/urine of patients bearing HCC. ABCC3 expression gradually increases in HCC tissues, and its protein levels are increased in both plasma and urine of patients with cirrhosis and HCC. MRP3A and MRP3B isoforms have the potential to be prognostic biomarkers of HCC.

The emerging roles of sphingosine 1-phosphate and SphK1 in cancer resistance: a promising therapeutic target

Cancer chemoresistance is a problematic dilemma that significantly restrains numerous cancer management protocols. It can promote cancer recurrence, spreading of cancer, and finally, mortality. Accordingly, enhancing the responsiveness of cancer cells towards chemotherapies could be a vital approach to overcoming cancer chemoresistance. Tumour cells express a high level of sphingosine kinase-1 (SphK1), which acts as a protooncogenic factor and is responsible for the synthesis of sphingosine-1 phosphate (S1P). S1P is released through a Human ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter to interact with other phosphosphingolipids components in the interstitial fluid in the tumor microenvironment (TME), provoking communication, progression, invasion, and tumor metastasis. Also, S1P is associated with several impacts, including anti-apoptotic behavior, metastasis, mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and chemotherapy resistance. Recent reports addressed high levels of S1P in several carcinomas, including ovarian, prostate, colorectal, breast, and HCC. Therefore, targeting the S1P/SphK signaling pathway is an emerging therapeutic approach to efficiently attenuate chemoresistance. In this review, we comprehensively discussed S1P functions, metabolism, transport, and signaling. Also, through a bioinformatic framework, we pointed out the alterations of SphK1 gene expression within different cancers with their impact on patient survival, and we demonstrated the protein-protein network of SphK1, elaborating its sparse roles. Furthermore, we made emphasis on different machineries of cancer resistance and the tight link with S1P. We evaluated all publicly available SphK1 inhibitors and their inhibition activity using molecular docking and how SphK1 inhibitors reduce the production of S1P and might reduce chemoresistance, an approach that might be vital in the course of cancer treatment and prognosis.

Novel Pathogenic Mutation of P209L in TRPC6 Gene Causes Adult Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a leading kidney disease, clinically associated with proteinuria and progressive renal failure. The occurrence of this disease is partly related to gene mutations. We describe a single affected family member who presented with FSGS. We used high-throughput sequencing, sanger sequencing to identify the pathogenic mutations, and a systems genetics analysis in the BXD mice was conducted to explore the genetic regulatory mechanisms of pathogenic genes in the development of FSGS. We identified high urinary protein (++++) and creatinine levels (149 μmol/L) in a 29-year-old male diagnosed with a 5-year history of grade 2 hypertension. Histopathology of the kidney biopsy showed stromal hyperplasia at the glomerular segmental sclerosis and endothelial cell vacuolation degeneration. Whole-exome sequencing followed by Sanger sequencing revealed a heterozygous missense mutation (c.643C > T) in exon 2 of TRPC6, leading to the substitution of arginine with tryptophan at position 215 (p.Arg215Trp). Systems genetics analysis of the 53 BXD mice kidney transcriptomes identified Pygm as the upstream regulator of Trpc6. Those two genes are jointly involved in the regulation of FSGS mainly via Wnt and Hippo signaling pathways. We present a novel variant in the TRPC6 gene that causes FSGS. Moreover, our data suggested TRPC6 works with PYGM, as well as Wnt and Hippo signaling pathways to regulate renal function, which could guide future clinical prevention and targeted treatment for FSGS outcomes.

Targeting Dysregulated Ion Channels in Liver Tumors with Venom Peptides

The regulation of cellular processes by ion channels has become central to the study of cancer mechanisms. Designing molecules that can modify ion channels specific to tumor cells is a promising area of targeted drug delivery and therapy. Despite their potential in drug discovery, venom peptides-a group of natural products-have largely remained understudied and under-characterized. In general, venom peptides display high specificity and selectivity for their target ion channels. Therefore, they may represent an effective strategy for selectively targeting the dysregulation of ion channels in tumor cells. This review examines existing venom peptide therapies for different cancer types and focuses on the application of snail venom peptides in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer worldwide. We provide insights into the mode of action of venom peptides that have been shown to target tumors. We also explore the benefit of using new computational methods like de novo protein structure prediction to screen venom peptides and identify potential druggable candidates. Finally, we summarize the role of cell culture, animal, and organoid models in developing effective therapies against HCC and highlight the need for creating models that represent the most disproportionately affected ethnicities in HCC.

Gender Differences in a Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Revealed Using Multi-Modal Imaging

The worldwide incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) continues to rise, in part due to poor diet, limited exercise, and alcohol abuse. Numerous studies have suggested that the loss or mutation of PTEN plays a critical role in HCC tumorigenesis through the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling axis. The homozygous knockout of PTEN in the livers of mice results in the accumulation of fat (steatosis), inflammation, fibrosis, and eventually progression to HCC. This phenotype bears a striking similarity to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) which is thought to occupy an intermediate stage between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), fibrosis, and HCC. The molecular and physiological phenotypes that manifest during the transition to HCC suggest that molecular imaging could provide a non-invasive screening platform to identify the hallmarks of HCC initiation prior to the presentation of clinical disease. We have carried out longitudinal imaging studies on the liver-specific PTEN knockout mouse model using CT, MRI, and multi-tracer PET to interrogate liver size, steatosis, inflammation, and apoptosis. In male PTEN knockout mice, significant steatosis was observed as early as 3 months using both magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and computed tomography (CT). Enhanced uptake of the apoptosis tracer 18F-TBD was also observed in the livers of male PTEN homozygous knockout mice between 3 and 4 months of age relative to heterozygous knockout controls. Liver uptake of the inflammation tracer [18F]4FN remained relatively low and constant over 7 months in male PTEN homozygous knockout mice, suggesting the suppression of high-energy ROS/RNS with PTEN deletion relative to heterozygous males where the [18F]4FN liver uptake was elevated at early and late time points. All male PTEN homozygous mice developed HCC lesions by month 10. In contrast to the male cohort, only 20% (2 out of 10) of female PTEN homozygous knockout mice developed HCC lesions by month 10. Steatosis was significantly less pronounced in the female PTEN homozygous knockout mice relative to males and could not accurately predict the eventual occurrence of HCC. As with the males, the [18F]4FN uptake in female PTEN homozygous knockout mice was low and constant throughout the time course. The liver uptake of 18F-TBD at 3 and 4.5 months was higher in the two female PTEN knockout mice that would eventually develop HCC and was the most predictive imaging biomarker for HCC in the female cohort. These studies demonstrate the diagnostic and prognostic role of multi-modal imaging in HCC mouse models and provide compelling evidence that disease progression in the PTEN knockout model is highly dependent on gender.

The TTYH3/MK5 Positive Feedback Loop regulates Tumor Progression via GSK3-β/β-catenin signaling in HCC

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide, and identification of novel targets is necessary for its diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to investigate the biological function and clinical significance of tweety homolog 3 (TTYH3) in HCC. TTYH3 overexpression promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and inhibited HCCM3 and Hep3B cell apoptosis. TTYH3 promoted tumor formation and metastasis in vivo. TTYH3 upregulated calcium influx and intracellular chloride concentration, thereby promoting cellular migration and regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related protein expression. The interaction between TTYH3 and MK5 was identified through co-immunoprecipitation assays and protein docking. TTYH3 promoted the expression of MK5, which then activated the GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway. MK5 knockdown attenuated the activation of GSK3β/β-catenin signaling by TTYH3. TTYH3 expression was regulated in a positive feedback manner. In clinical HCC samples, TTYH3 was upregulated in the HCC tissues compared to nontumor tissues. Furthermore, high TTYH3 expression was significantly correlated with poor patient survival. The CpG islands were hypomethylated in the promoter region of TTYH3 in HCC tissues. In conclusion, we identified TTYH3 regulates tumor development and progression via MK5/GSK3-β/β-catenin signaling in HCC and promotes itself expression in a positive feedback loop.

KCNN4 Promotes the Stemness Potentials of Liver Cancer Stem Cells by Enhancing Glucose Metabolism

The presence of liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) is one of the reasons for the treatment failure of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). For LCSCs, one of their prominent features is metabolism plasticity, which depends on transporters and ion channels to exchange metabolites and ions. The K⁺ channel protein KCNN4 (Potassium Calcium-Activated Channel Subfamily N Member 4) has been reported to promote cell metabolism and malignant progression of HCCs, but its influence on LCSC stemness has remained unclear. Here, we demonstrated that KCNN4 was highly expressed in L-CSCs by RT-PCR and Western blot. Then, we illustrated that KCNN4 promoted the stemness of HC-C cells by CD133⁺CD44⁺ LCSC subpopulation ratio analysis, in vitro stemness transcription factor detection, and sphere formation assay, as well as in vivo orthotopic liver tumor formation and limiting dilution tumorigenesis assays. We also showed that KCNN4 enhanced the glucose metabolism in LCSCs by metabolic enzyme detections and seahorse analysis, and the KCNN4-promoted increase in LCSC ratios was abolished by glycolysis inhibitor 2-DG or OXPHOS inhibitor oligomycin. Collectively, our results suggested that KCNN4 promoted LCSC stemness via enhancing glucose metabolism, and that KCNN4 would be a potential molecular target for eliminating LCSCs in HCC.

Quercetin Regulates Key Components of the Cellular Microenvironment during Early Hepatocarcinogenesis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a health problem worldwide due to its high mortality rate, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a key role in the HCC progression. The current ineffective therapies to fight the disease still warrant the development of preventive strategies. Quercetin has been shown to have different antitumor activities; however, its effect on TME components in preneoplastic lesions has not been fully investigated yet. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effect of quercetin (10 mg/kg) on TME components during the early stages of HCC progression induced in the rat. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses showed that quercetin decreases the size of preneoplastic lesions, glycogen and collagen accumulation, the expression of cancer stem cells and myofibroblasts markers, and that of the transporter ATP binding cassette subfamily C member 3 (ABCC3), a marker of HCC progression and multi-drug resistance. Our results strongly suggest that quercetin has the capability to reduce key components of TME, as well as the expression of ABCC3. Thus, quercetin can be an alternative treatment for inhibiting the growth of early HCC tumors.

Analysis at the single-cell level indicates an important role of heterogeneous global DNA methylation status on the progression of lung adenocarcinoma

Aberrant DNA modifications affect the tumorigenesis and progression of lung cancer. However, the global methylation status of tumor cells and the heterogeneous methylation status of cells within the same tumor need further study. We used publicly available single-cell RNAseq data to investigate the impact and diversity of global methylation status on lung adenocarcinoma. Clustering cells into subgroups and cell differentiation pseudotime analysis, based on expression profile, demonstrated that the global methylation status was crucial to lung adenocarcinoma function and progression. Hypermethylated tumor cells had increased activity related to the hypoxia response. Hyper- and hypomethylated cells indicated upregulation in pathways involving focal adhesion and cell junctions. Pseudotime analysis showed that cell clusters with unique methylation activities were located at the ends of the putative trajectories, suggesting that DNA methylation and demethylation activities were essential to tumor cell progression. Expression of SPP1 was associated with the global methylation status of tumor cells and with patient prognosis. Our study identified the importance and diversity of global DNA methylation status by analysis at the single-cell level. Our findings provide new information about the global DNA methylation status of tumor cells and suggest new approaches for precision medical treatments for lung adenocarcinoma.

TRPM2 Oxidation Activates Two Distinct Potassium Channels in Melanoma Cells through Intracellular Calcium Increase

Tumor microenvironments are often characterized by an increase in oxidative stress levels. We studied the response to oxidative stimulation in human primary (IGR39) or metastatic (IGR37) cell lines obtained from the same patient, performing patch-clamp recordings, intracellular calcium ([Ca²⁺]_i) imaging, and RT-qPCR gene expression analysis. In IGR39 cells, chloramine-T (Chl-T) activated large K⁺ currents (KROS) that were partially sensitive to tetraethylammonium (TEA). A large fraction of KROS was inhibited by paxilline—a specific inhibitor of large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated BK channels. The TEA-insensitive component was inhibited by senicapoc—a specific inhibitor of the Ca²⁺-activated KCa3.1 channel. Both BK and KCa3.1 activation were mediated by an increase in [Ca²⁺]_i induced by Chl-T. Both KROS and [Ca²⁺]_i increase were inhibited by ACA and clotrimazole—two different inhibitors of the calcium-permeable TRPM2 channel. Surprisingly, IGR37 cells did not exhibit current increase upon the application of Chl-T. Expression analysis confirmed that the genes encoding BK, KCa3.1, and TRPM2 are much more expressed in IGR39 than in IGR37. The potassium currents and [Ca²⁺]_i increase observed in response to the oxidizing agent strongly suggest that these three molecular entities play a major role in the progression of melanoma. Pharmacological targeting of either of these ion channels could be a new strategy to reduce the metastatic potential of melanoma cells, and could complement classical radio- or chemotherapeutic treatments.

A new survival model based on ion channel genes for prognostic prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma

Accumulating studies revealed the vital role of ion channels in cancers, but the prognosis role of ion channels in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains limited. Here, we developed and validated an ion channel signature for prognostic prediction of HCC patients. In total, 35 differential expressed ion channel genes (DEChannelGs) were identified in HCC and a novel ion channel risk model was established for HCC prognosis prediction using the TCGA cohort, which was validated using the ICGC cohort. Moreover, this risk model was an independent prognostic factor and was associated with the immune microenvironment in HCC. Finally, the mRNA and protein levels of ANO10 and CLCN2 were prominently up-regulated and were related to the poor prognosis of HCC patients. Taken together, these results indicated a novel ion channel risk model as a prognostic biomarker for HCC patients and provided further insight into its immunoregulatory mechanism in HCC progression.

How Dysregulated Ion Channels and Transporters Take a Hand in Esophageal, Liver, and Colorectal Cancer

Over the last two decades, the understanding of how dysregulated ion channels and transporters are involved in carcinogenesis and tumor growth and progression, including invasiveness and metastasis, has been increasing exponentially. The present review specifies virtually all ion channels and transporters whose faulty expression or regulation contributes to esophageal, hepatocellular, and colorectal cancer. The variety reaches from Ca²⁺, K⁺, Na⁺, and Cl^- channels over divalent metal transporters, Na⁺ or Cl^- coupled Ca²⁺, HCO₃^- and H⁺ exchangers to monocarboxylate carriers and organic anion and cation transporters. In several cases, the underlying mechanisms by which these ion channels/transporters are interwoven with malignancies have been fully or at least partially unveiled. Ca²⁺, Akt/NF-κB, and Ca²⁺- or pH-dependent Wnt/β-catenin signaling emerge as cross points through which ion channels/transporters interfere with gene expression, modulate cell proliferation, trigger epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and promote cell motility and metastasis. Also miRs, lncRNAs, and DNA methylation represent potential links between the misexpression of genes encoding for ion channels/transporters, their malfunctioning, and cancer. The knowledge of all these molecular interactions has provided the basis for therapeutic strategies and approaches, some of which will be broached in this review.

Curcumol enhances the sensitivity of doxorubicin in triple-negative breast cancer via regulating the miR-181b-2-3p-ABCC3 axis

Chemoresistance is a major cause of recurrence and poor prognosis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. The essential oil of Rhizoma Curcumae has been recently reported to enhance the chemosensitivity of cancer cells. However, few reports have systematically illuminated the mechanism. Curcumol is the major component of the essential oil of Rhizoma Curcumae. Therefore, we wondered whether curcumol combined with chemotherapy could increase the anticancer effects. In the present study, we evaluated the anticancer effects of doxorubicin and curcumol alone or in combination by a series of growth proliferation and apoptosis assays in TNBC cells. Our results showed that curcumol enhanced the sensitivity of MDA-MB-231 cells to doxorubicin in vitro and in vivo. Through miRNA-seq, we found that miR-181b-2-3p was involved in the curcumol-mediated promotion of doxorubicin-sensitivity in both parental and doxorubicin-resistant MDA-MB-231 (MDA-MB-231/ADR) cells. Further study showed that miR-181b-2-3p suppressed ABCC3 expression by targeting its 3'UTR. More importantly, we identified that overexpression of miR-181b-2-3p sensitized MDA-MB-231/ADR cells to doxorubicin by inhibiting the drug efflux transporter ABCC3. Furthermore, we found that NFAT1 could be activated by curcumol. In addition, ChIP assay results revealed that NFAT1 could directly bind to the promoter region of miR-181b-2-3p. Finally, using PDX models, we identified that curcumol could enhance sensitivity to doxorubicin to suppress tumor growth by the miR-181b-2-3p-ABCC3 axis in vivo. Taken together, our study provides novel mechanistic evidence for curcumol-mediated sensitization to doxorubicin in TNBC, and it highlights the potential therapeutic usefulness of curcumol as an adjunct drug in TNBC patients with doxorubicin-resistance.

Tumour-specific amplitude-modulated radiofrequency electromagnetic fields induce differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma via targeting Cav3.2 T-type voltage-gated calcium channels and Ca2+ influx

BACKGROUND

Administration of amplitude modulated 27·12 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (AM RF EMF) by means of a spoon-shaped applicator placed on the patient's tongue is a newly approved treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The mechanism of action of tumour-specific AM RF EMF is largely unknown.

METHODS

Whole body and organ-specific human dosimetry analyses were performed. Mice carrying human HCC xenografts were exposed to AM RF EMF using a small animal AM RF EMF exposure system replicating human dosimetry and exposure time. We performed histological analysis of tumours following exposure to AM RF EMF. Using an agnostic genomic approach, we characterized the mechanism of action of AM RF EMF.

FINDINGS

Intrabuccal administration results in systemic delivery of athermal AM RF EMF from head to toe at levels lower than those generated by cell phones held close to the body. Tumour shrinkage results from differentiation of HCC cells into quiescent cells with spindle morphology. AM RF EMF targeted antiproliferative effects and cancer stem cell inhibiting effects are mediated by Ca2+ influx through Cav3·2 T-type voltage-gated calcium channels (CACNA1H) resulting in increased intracellular calcium concentration within HCC cells only.

INTERPRETATION

Intrabuccally-administered AM RF EMF is a systemic therapy that selectively block the growth of HCC cells. AM RF EMF pronounced inhibitory effects on cancer stem cells may explain the exceptionally long responses observed in several patients with advanced HCC. FUND: Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Centre Support Grant award number P30CA012197 issued to the Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Centre (BP) and by funds from the Charles L. Spurr Professorship Fund (BP). DWG is supported by R01 AA016852 and P50 AA026117.

NFκB mediated elevation of KCNJ11 promotes tumor progression of hepatocellular carcinoma through interaction of lactate dehydrogenase A

It has been well documented that changes in ion fluxes across cellular membranes is fundamental in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Dysregulation and/or malfunction of ion channels are critical events in the pathogenesis of diverse diseases, including cancers. In this study, we focused on the study of K⁺ channels in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). By data mining TCGA cohort, the expression of 27 K⁺ channels was investigated and KCNJ11 was identified as a key dysregulated K⁺ channels in HCC. KCNJ11 was differentially expressed in HCC and predicted a poor prognosis in HCC patients. Inhibition of NFκB signaling suppressed KCNJ11 expression in HCC cells. Knockdown of KCNJ11 expression inhibited cell proliferation, promoted cell apoptosis, and reduced cell invasive capacity. Mechanistically, we found that KCNJ11 promotes tumor progression through interaction with LDHA and enhancing its enzymatic activity. Pharmacological inhibition of LDHA largely compromised the oncogenic function of KCNJ11 in cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, and cell invasion. Collectively, our data, as a proof of principle, demonstrate that KCNJ11 acts as an oncogene in HCC though forming a complex with LDHA and suggest that targeting KCNJ11 can be developed as a candidate tool to dampen HCC.

Effect of Disease Pathologies on Transporter Expression and Function

Transporters are important determinants of drug absorption, distribution, and excretion. The clinical relevance of drug transporters in drug disposition and toxicology depends on their localization in liver, kidney, and brain. There has been growing evidence regarding the importance of disease status on alterations in metabolizing enzymes and transporter proteins. This review focuses on uptake and efflux transporter proteins in liver, kidney, and brain and discusses mechanisms of altered transporter expression and function secondary to disease.

肝脏转运体表达和功能的变化对肝疾病的影响

转运体是药物吸收、分布、代谢和排泄的重要决定因素, 在肝脏表达尤为广泛. 肝脏转运体可以摄取大多数内源性物质、营养物质和外源性物质进入肝脏, 在肝脏内经过一系列的代谢转化, 最终将其外排入胆汁, 并由胆汁排到肝外. 越来越多的证据表明, 肝脏疾病状态下转运体的表达和功能会发生改变, 影响药物在体内的处置过程, 进而增加药物相互作用的可能性, 同时加大了疾病药物治疗的难度. 本文从肝脏摄取型和外排型转运体两方面出发, 针对肝脏转运体表达和功能的变化对肝疾病的影响作一综述.

Eag1 channels as potential early-stage biomarkers of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer death worldwide. HCC is usually asymptomatic at potential curative stages, and it has very poor prognosis if detected later. Thus, the identification of early biomarkers and novel therapies is essential to improve HCC patient survival. Ion channels have been proposed as potential tumor markers and therapeutic targets for several cancers including HCC. Especially, the ether à-go-go-1 (Eag1) voltage-gated potassium channel has been suggested as an early marker for HCC. Eag1 is overexpressed during HCC development from the cirrhotic and the preneoplastic lesions preceding HCC in a rat model. The channel is also overexpressed in human HCC. Astemizole has gained great interest as a potential anticancer drug because it targets several proteins involved in cancer including Eag1. Actually, in vivo studies have shown that astemizole may have clinical utility for HCC prevention and treatment. Here, we will review first some general aspects of HCC including the current biomarkers and therapies, and then we will focus on Eag1 channels as promising tools in the early diagnosis of HCC.

Ion Channels and Oxidative Stress as a Potential Link for the Diagnosis or Treatment of Liver Diseases

Oxidative stress results from a disturbed balance between oxidation and antioxidant systems. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) may be either harmful or beneficial to the cells. Ion channels are transmembrane proteins that participate in a large variety of cellular functions and have been implicated in the development of a variety of diseases. A significant amount of the available drugs in the market targets ion channels. These proteins have sulfhydryl groups of cysteine and methionine residues in their structure that can be targeted by ROS and RNS altering channel function including gating and conducting properties, as well as the corresponding signaling pathways associated. The regulation of ion channels by ROS has been suggested to be associated with some pathological conditions including liver diseases. This review focuses on understanding the role and the potential association of ion channels and oxidative stress in liver diseases including fibrosis, alcoholic liver disease, and cancer. The potential association between ion channels and oxidative stress conditions could be used to develop new treatments for major liver diseases.