Vacuolar ATPase as a potential therapeutic target and mediator of treatment resistance in cancer

Vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase) is an ATP-dependent H(+) -transporter that pumps protons across intracellular and plasma membranes. It consists of a large multi-subunit protein complex and influences a wide range of cellular processes. This review focuses on emerging evidence for the roles for V-ATPase in cancer. This includes how V-ATPase dysregulation contributes to cancer growth, metastasis, invasion and proliferation, and the potential link between V-ATPase and the development of drug resistance.