Potassium channels and proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells.

Potassium channels (K(+) channels), a family of special ion channel proteins, are involved in various physiological functions. Recent data show that the abnormalities of K(+) channels are not only responsible for some neurological and cardiovascular diseases but also for channelopathies. Furthermore, many groups reported that the abnormalities of K(+) channels had shown their oncogenic potential in breast introduction and other malignant tumors, promoting proliferation, invasion and metastasis. The aim of this review is to give an updated introduction of research progress in K(+) channels associated with breast cancer.