Differences in membrane electrical properties between C3H 10T1/2 mouse embryo fibroblasts and their ionizing radiation and chemically transformed counterparts

Abstract

Membrane electrical properties of mouse embryo fibroblasts and their ionizing radiation and chemically transformed counterparts were investigated using dielectric relaxation measurements in the radio frequency range. This determination is possible because, in the radio frequency range, suspensions of cells in an electrolyte buffer show a conductivity dispersion due to interfacial polarization. An analysis of the experimental data based on a "single-shell" model showed that conductivity and permittivity of the membranes of both radiation and chemically transformed fibroblasts were lower than in normal cells. In addition, the conductivity of the cytoplasm was higher in both transformed cell types than in the normal mouse fibroblasts. We discuss the significance of these findings in view of the possible structural and functional modifications brought about by the process of neoplastic transformation.

Mechanistic insights on anticancer drugs with specific biological targets and signalling pathways

“…Ion channels in the plasma membrane (PM) play a role in almost all fundamental cellular functions as well as the malignant phenotype of cancer cells. The review highlights the function of ion channels in cancer in relation to how they relate to the recognized characteristics of cancer: According to recent studies [4,45], the contribution of particular ion channels to these characteristics varies for various cancer types. Ion channel expression, function, and regulation must therefore be evaluated for each cancer in order to determine the significance of ion channels as targets for cancer diagnosis and treatment.…”

“…As a result, finding alternative biological targets that are either exclusive to a particular tumour type or related to a state of cancer growth and have fewer widespread physiological components is one of the main difficulties in oncology. Recently, research on the use of ion channels in cancer cell treatment has developed into a complex field [4]. In neoplastic cells, widespread changes in the functioning of virtually any type of ion channel have been discovered, which simultaneously define particular tumour growth stages and regulate their fate [45].…”

“…Finding alternative biological targets which are either exclusive to a specific tumour type or related to a state of cancer growth and have reduced widespread physiological components is one of the main difficulties in oncology. A complex field of study has recently developed around the functional use of ion channels in cancer cell treatment [4]. Various sorts of channels across all documented subfamilies of selective ion channels have been deeply engaged in reproducing cells, especially cancer cells [5].…”