Mitochondrial control of store-operated Ca2+ channels in cancer: Pharmacological implications

Intracellular Ca2+ is a pleiotropic second messenger involved in control of different cell and physiological functions including long-term processes such as cell proliferation, migration and survival. Agonist-induced Ca2+ entry in most cells, especially in non-excitable cells including epithelial cells, is mediated by store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), a Ca2+ entry pathway activated by agonist-induced release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This pathway is modulated also by mitochondria which, acting as Ca2+ sinks, take up Ca2+, thus limiting Ca2+-dependent inactivation of Ca2+-release activated Ca2+ channels (CRAC). Compelling evidence shows that SOCE is upregulated in a large variety of cancer cells and this change contribute to cancer hallmarks. Mechanisms for enhanced SOCE include changes in expression of members of the Orai, Stromal interaction molecule (STIM) and canonical transient receptor potential channel (TRPc) gene families. Tumor cell mitochondria may contribute to SOCE upregulation in cancer as well. Molecular players involved in enhancing mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake are upregulated in tumor cells whereas negative modulators are repressed. Furthermore, mitochondrial potential, the driving force for mitochondria] Ca2+ uptake, is enhanced in tumor cells due to the Warburg effect. Finally, SOCE in tumor cells may be sustained further by the gain of function of non-selective TRPC channels permeable to Na+ that favour Ca2+ exit from mitochondria in exchange for Na+, thus limiting Ca2+-dependent inactivation of Orail channels. Therefore, tumor cell mitochondria may efficiently contribute to enhance and sustain SOCE in cancer. Interestingly, this effect could be counterbalanced by selected non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reported to prevent colorectal cancer and other forms of cancer.