Abstract
BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma multiforme are refractory diseases and it is necessary to develop new therapies. Ion channels are membrane proteins that permeate ions and are involved in proliferation, metastasis and invasion in cancer. To date, functional analysis of ion channels in glioma cancer stem cells (GSCs) has not been done much.However, there is limited evidence regarding the ion channels in glioma cancer stem cells. PURPOSE: Ion channels in GSCs are identified and the anti-tumor effect by inhibitors against them is verified. METHOD: Cancer stem cell lines were established from patients with Glioblastoma multiforme. The whole current of cancer stem cells was measured using patch clamp technique, and electrophysiological properties and pharmacological properties were analyzed. We analyzed the effects of ion channel inhibitors on proliferation, cell death and invasion of cancer stem cells. RESULTS: Nonselective cationic current was observed in GSCs. This current was blocked in a concentration dependent manner by lanthanum which is a trivalent cation. Lanthanum inhibited the growth and invasion of GSCs. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that lanthanum inhibits cell proliferation and invasion by blocking nonselective cation channel current of GSCs.