Several tumor entities have been reported to overexpress KCa3.1 potassium channels due to epigenetic, transcriptional, or post-translational modifications. By modulating membrane potential, cell volume, or Ca2+ signaling, KCa3.1 has been proposed to exert pivotal oncogenic functions in tumorigenesis, malignant progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Moreover, KCa3.1 is expressed by tumor-promoting stroma cells such as fibroblasts and the tumor vasculature suggesting a role of KCa3.1 in the adaptation of the tumor microenvironment. Combined, this features KCa3.1 as a candidate target for innovative anti-cancer therapy. However, immune cells also express KCa3.1 thereby contributing to T cell activation. Thus, any strategy targeting KCa3.1 in anti-cancer therapy may also modulate anti-tumor immune activity and/or immunosuppression. The present review article highlights the potential of KCa3.1 as an anti-tumor target providing an overview of the current knowledge on its function in tumor pathogenesis with emphasis on vasculo- and angiogenesis as well as anti-cancer immune responses.
Keywords: (1-[(2-chlorophenyl) diphenylmethyl]-pyrazole; 1-EBIO; 1-Ethyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one; 17-estradiol; BK; E2; KCa3.1; TRAM-34; big conductance Ca2+- and voltage-activated K+ channels; intermediate conductance calcium-activated K+ channel.