Calcium channels as pharmacological targets for cancer therapy
Xiaozhen Liu, Changyun Feng, Yan Li, Jili Cao, Xinping Zhu, Mingqian Li, Zhao Guizhi
Abstract
Ca 2+ , as critical second messengers in biological processes, plays a pivotal role in the regulation of diverse cellular signaling pathways. The dysregulation of calcium signaling is intricately linked to the progression of various cancers. The capacity of Ca 2+ to modulate cell death and proliferation, along with its potential for pharmacological manipulation, presents a promising avenue for the development of novel cancer therapeutics. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the classification of Ca 2+ channels and their mechanisms of action in oncogenesis, explores the application of Ca 2+ blockers in cancer treatment, and underscores the importance of conducting further clinical trials.