Targeting Ca2+ signaling: A new arsenal against cancer

The drug resistance of cancer cells is a major concern in medical oncology, resulting in the failure of chemotherapy. Ca2+ plays a pivotal role in inducing multidrug resistance in cancer cells. Calcium signaling is a critical regulator of many cancer hallmarks, such as angiogenesis, invasiveness, and migration. In this review, we describe the involvement of Ca2+ signaling and associated proteins in cancer progression and in the development of multidrug resistance in cancer cells. We also highlight the possibilities and challenges of targeting the Ca2+ channels, transporters, and pumps involved in Ca2+ signaling in cancer cells through structure-based drug design. This work will open a new therapeutic window to be used against cancer in upcoming years.

Automated summary

This review discusses the involvement of calcium signaling in cancer progression and multidrug resistance, as well as the possibilities and challenges of targeting calcium channels, transporters, and pumps for cancer treatment through structure-based drug design.