Figure 1.

Mitochondrial ion channels might mediate exchange of oncogenic factors with the nucleus. Nuclear oncogenic factors either directly (via nuclear pore complexes, NPC) (12) or indirectly (via oncogenic expression) are transmitted to mitochondria to reprogram metabolism and cell death mechanisms. Channels in the outer and the inner membranes might provide the pathways for production and/or bi-directional transport of oncogenic factors. Alternatively, they might be direct targets (see text). The legend indicates channel components (red) or modulators (black) associated with cancer (see text for references). Components and regulators of TIM22 and TIM23 channels were listed in the same category. K⁺C represents the potassium channels BK_Ca and IK_Ca, ATP-dependent K_ATP, Kv1.3, two-pore TWIK-related acid-sensitive K⁺ channel-3 (TASK-3). Inspired by Odra Noel’s “Mitochondrial Dawn”.