Epigenetic upregulation of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) has been reported in a number of carcinoma cell lines and tissues. Furthermore, a large body of experimental evidence suggested that functional VGSC expression enhances various in vitro cell behaviours, such as directional motility, that would be involved in the metastatic cascade. However, it is not known if VGSC activity promotes metastasis in vivo. Here, using the Copenhagen rat model of prostate cancer and blocking VGSC activity in primary tumours with tetrodotoxin, we show (1) that the number of lung metastasis is reduced by >40% and (2) that lifespan is significantly improved.
Written by:
Yildirim S, Altun S, Gumushan H, Patel A, Djamgoz MB Are you the author?
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Istanbul University, Vezneciler, Istanbul 34134, Turkey; Division of Cell & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
Reference: Cancer Lett. 2012 Oct 1;323(1):58-61
doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2012.03.036
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 22484465