The Role of Bioelectric Signals in Cancer Genome Regulation and Potential Therapeutic Implication: An Overview
Lawrence John Ajutor *
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo Sate, Nigeria.
Fatima Bello Sani
Laboratory Services, Yobe State University Teaching Hospital, Damaturu, Yobe state, Nigeria.
Elijah Nehemiah Kama
Laboratory Services, Federal University of Health Science Teaching Hospital, Azare Bauchi State, Nigeria.
Kingsley Ugonna Ugoagwu
Department of Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Adegbesan Abiodun Christopher
Department of Global Health, African Cancer Institute, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
Daniel Temiloluwa Oyedemi
Department of Emergency Medicine, Warrington and Halton NHS Foundation Trust, England.
Peter Bemigho Adewoyin
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
Olayinka Esther Agbetanmije
Department of Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
Adepeju Matilda Adekoya
Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of Lagos, Lagos Nigeria.
Erere Godsent Onyeugbo
Department of Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences, University of Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Bioelectrical signals which are directed by ion channels and membrane potential (V_mem), play a crucial role in many cellular processes including proliferation and differentiation. It has also been known to influence processes such as gene expression, epigenetics, and tumor progression which are key aspects of cancer development. This study explores the role of bioelectric signaling in oncogenesis, highlighting possible therapeutic implications. An inferential review of existing literature was done to understand the possible outcomes of integrating Tumor-Treating Fields (TTFields) with traditional therapies like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Relevant sources were analyzed to gain mechanistic insights from clinical and non-clinical studies to deduce potential therapeutic implications.
Dysregulated ion channel activity and abnormal cellular membrane potential are hallmark findings of cancer cells. Deviant bioelectric signals seen in tumors promote oncogene activation and tumor suppressor silencing. These bioelectric changes affect chromatin remodeling through pathways involving calcium signaling, histone modifications, and DNA methylation.
Therapeutically, targeting ion channels, such as potassium and sodium-proton exchangers may offer a novel strategy to disrupt tumor growth. Bioelectric stimulation, using techniques like optogenetics, can also help reprogram cancer cells to induce differentiation or apoptosis. There are also potential diagnostic advancements that leverage bioelectric markers, such as depolarized membrane potential, for early cancer detection through electrophysiological imaging and wearable sensors. Bioelectric modulation can enhance drug uptake, improve immune responses by normalizing the tumor microenvironment, and enable targeted delivery using electroporation.
Bioelectrical signals influence genome regulation and offer significant therapeutic and diagnostic potential. Further studies are recommended to provide essential insights into the potential of harnessing bioelectricity for advanced cancer management and improved patient outcomes.
Keywords: Bioelectrical signals, cancer genome regulation, membrane potential, ion channels, epigenetics, cancer therapy