Figure 1.

Important Ca²⁺ channels/transporters/pumps in cancer cells. The dynamic of intracellular Ca²⁺ is governed by a series of proteins: (1) IP₃Rs mediating Ca²⁺ release from endoplasmic reticulum (ER); (2) Ca²⁺-ATPases pumping Ca²⁺ from cytosol to the ER or to extracellular space; (3) plasma membrane Ca²⁺ channels or transporters, such as VGCCs, TRPs, CRACs, NCXs and P2 receptors; (4) mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uniporter. The tightly regulated Ca²⁺ signals in the form of waves, spikes or oscillations can regulate a wide range of cellular events, including gene transcription, proliferation, migration and apoptosis. Targeting the dysregulated Ca²⁺ channels/transporters/pumps may provide a promising chemotherapy for cancer patients.