Abstract

STUHMER, Walter. The voltage-dependent potassium channel Kv10.1 and cancer. Rev. acad. colomb. cienc. exact. fis. nat. [online]. 2017, vol.41, n.160, pp.274-280. ISSN 0370-3908.  https://doi.org/10.18257/raccefyn.509.

Among the over 100 genes that encode for the various potassium channels known so far, the Kv10.1 exhibits properties that are quite unique. It is voltage-dependent and expressed almost exclusively in the nervous system. Surprisingly, it was found overexpressed in more than 70% of human cancer tissue of diverse origin, as well as in fast growing tissue such as placenta, germinal cells of testicles and in colon crypts. Its sub-cellular distribution allowed for elucidating its role in the cell cycle, during which it is regulated by growth factors and tumor suppressor genes such as the p53 and the RB1. In addition, Kv10.1 favors the internalization of the primary cilium, which is essential for cell division. Given that tumor cells grow and divide rapidly because they often have defective growth-factor signaling or defects in one of the mentioned genes, they frequently over-express Kv10.1, which can be detected using specific antibodies. Patients with high levels of Kv10.1 in their tumors have worse prognosis than those with low levels. In addition, blocking the function of Kv10.1 allows reducing cell proliferation. Therefore, Kv10.1 offers a novel diagnostic and therapeutic window in cancer treatment. © 2017. Acad. Colomb. Cienc. Ex. Fis. Nat.

Keywords : Ion channels; Voltage-gating; Cell division; Cancer; Primary cilium.

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