Mechanisms underlying the effect of an oral antihyperglycaemic agent glyburide on calcium ion (Ca2+ ) movement and its related cytotoxicity in prostate cancer cells

Exploring the Role of Surface and Mitochondrial ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channels in Cancer: From Cellular Functions to Therapeutic Potentials

ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels are found in plasma membranes and mitochondria. These channels are a type of ion channel that is regulated by the intracellular concentration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and other nucleotides. In cell membranes, they play a crucial role in linking metabolic activity to electrical activity, especially in tissues like the heart and pancreas. In mitochondria, KATP channels are involved in protecting cells against ischemic damage and regulating mitochondrial function. This review delves into the role of KATP channels in cancer biology, underscoring their critical function. Notably responsive to changes in cellular metabolism, KATP channels link metabolic states to electrical activity, a feature that becomes particularly significant in cancer cells. These cells, characterized by uncontrolled growth, necessitate unique metabolic and signaling pathways, differing fundamentally from normal cells. Our review explores the intricate roles of KATP channels in influencing the metabolic and ionic balance within cancerous cells, detailing their structural and operational mechanisms. We highlight the channels' impact on cancer cell survival, proliferation, and the potential of KATP channels as therapeutic targets in oncology. This includes the challenges in targeting these channels due to their widespread presence in various tissues and the need for personalized treatment strategies. By integrating molecular biology, physiology, and pharmacology perspectives, the review aims to enhance the understanding of cancer as a complex metabolic disease and to open new research and treatment avenues by focusing on KATP channels. This comprehensive approach provides valuable insights into the potential of KATP channels in developing innovative cancer treatments.

Expression of colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma and its effect on cancer cell proliferation

Background

The incidence of anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is high among human cancers. Colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (CRNDE) is highly expressed in common tumors, and is therefore a potential molecular target for anti-tumor therapy. However, the function of CRNDE in ATC remains elusive.

Methods

The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to screen the differential expression of long-noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in ATC tissues. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to analyze the expression of CRNDE in thyroid cancer (THCA) tissues and its impact on patient prognosis. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to determine the expression level of CRNDE in tumor and control tissues. The biological function of CRNDE in THCA was explored using TCGA RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data analysis. ATC cell lines with low and high CRNDE expression were selected for CRNDE siRNA transfection, and the proliferation of cells was detected in each group.

Results

The GEO and TCGA databases analysis results showed that CRNDE was highly expressed in ATC tissues, which is related to the poor prognosis of THCA patients. Also, the expression of CRNDE in the ATC cell line, ARO (human thyroid cancer cell line), was relatively high, while the expression in sw579 is relatively low. Therefore, ARO and sw579 were chosen for CRNDE small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection. Compared with negative control (si-NC), the expression of CRNDE in si-CRNDE-1, si-CRNDE-2, and si-CRNDE-3 was reduced, indicating that the inhibitory effect was significantly enhanced and the cell proliferation ability was reduced, and the cell cycle is arrested in the G0/G1 phase. Finally, it was found that the wnt3a, β-catenin, and cyclinD1 protein expressions of si-CRNDE-1 and si-CRNDE-2 were significantly reduced.

Conclusions

The high expression of CRNDE in ATC tissues may promote the proliferation of ATC cells by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. CRNDE may be a potential molecular target for the treatment of ATC.