Research progress of ASIC family in tumors

Abstract

As a proton-gated cation channel, the acid-sensitive ion channels (ASICs) is capable of sensing changes in the extracellular pH value. ASICs are widely distributed and apart from physiological functions, play a role in various diseases related to acidity, such as pain, inflammation, and ischemia. Moreover, studies have shown that ASICs also have an impact on the occurrence, development, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance of tumors under acidosis conditions. Although the underlying mechanisms of ASIC-mediated processes have not been extensively explored, these studies suggest that ASICs may emerge as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets, offering new perspectives for the development of alternative cancer therapies. This article reviews the latest progress of ASICs in tumors, summarizes the classic substances that affect their activity, and analyzes the future research directions, providing a basis for them to be potential targets for tumor treatment.