The store-operated calcium channels in cancer metastasis: from cell migration, invasion to metastatic colonization

Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) is the predominant calcium entry mechanism in most cancer cells. SOCE is mediated by the endoplasmic reticulum calcium sensor STIMs (STIM1 and 2) and plasma membrane channel forming unit Orais (Orai 1-3). In recent years there is increasing evidence indicating that SOCE in cancer cells is dysregulated to promote cancer cell migration, invasion and metastasis. The overexpression of STIM and Orai proteins has been reported to correlate with the metastatic progression of various cancers. The hyperactive SOCE may promote metastatic dissemination and colonization by reorganizing the actin cytoskeleton, degrading the extracellular matrix and remodeling the tumor microenvironment. Here we discuss how these recent progresses provide novel insights to our understanding of tumor metastasis.