Fine tuning calcium dynamics by inhibition of Store-operated Calcium Entry as a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis

Abstract

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a complex inflammatory disorder characterized by progressive fibrosis, leading to pancreatic dysfunction, reduced quality of life and an elevated pancreatic cancer risk. Current therapeutic options for CP are restricted to symptomatic treatment. Using ex vivo and in vivo preclinical disease models, Szabó et al. now explored for the first time the involvement of Store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) in the progression of CP and propose that a selective pharmacological inhibition of the SOCE signaling component Orai1 might serve as specific treatment option for CP[1,2].