Novel insights into ion channels in cancer stem cells (Review).

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are immortal cells in tumor tissues that have been proposed as the driving force of tumorigenesis and tumor invasion. Previously, ion channels were revealed to contribute to cancer cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that ion channels are present in various CSCs; however, the functions of ion channels and their mechanisms in CSCs remain unknown. The present review aimed to focus on the roles of ion channels in the regulation of CSC behavior and the CSC-like properties of cancer cells. Evaluation of the relationship between ion channels and CSCs is critically important for understanding malignancy.