Kv3 channels contribute to cancer cell migration via vimentin regulation

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2021 Apr 30:551:140-147. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.03.019. Epub 2021 Mar 16.

Abstract

Cell migration is a complex and important process in cancer progression. Vimentin has pivotal roles in cancer cell migration, and various signaling pathways including the AKT pathway are involved in cancer cell migration via vimentin regulation. Recent studies have revealed that voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels have important functions in cancer cell migration; however, the exact mechanism is still unclear. In the present study, we focused on Kv3 channels with vimentin in cancer migration using human cervical cancer cells (HeLa) and canine mammary tumor cells (CHMp). Cancer cell migration was significantly inhibited, and vimentin expression was significantly decreased by Kv3 blocker, BDS-II. The Kv3 blocker also inactivated the AKT pathway in HeLa cells. In addition, reduced expressions of vimentin and Kv3.4 were observed in HeLa cells when treated with AKT blocker, MK2206. These results suggest that Kv3 channels play important roles in cancer cell migration by regulating vimentin and having closely related with the AKT pathway in human cervical cancer cells.

Keywords: AKT pathway; CHMp cells; Cancer cell migration; HeLa cells; Kv3 channels; Vimentin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Movement* / drug effects
  • Dogs
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / metabolism
  • Shaw Potassium Channels / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Shaw Potassium Channels / metabolism*
  • Vimentin / biosynthesis
  • Vimentin / metabolism*

Substances

  • Shaw Potassium Channels
  • Vimentin
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt