Voltage-gated K+ channel activity in human prostate cancer cell lines of markedly different metastatic potential: Distinguishing characteristics of PC-3 and LNCaP cells

BACKGROUND. Although ion channels are known to contribute to a variety of b asic cellular behaviors involved in the metastatic cascade, their role in m etastasis per se has only recently been questioned. The hypothesis tested w as whether Kf channels were different between strongly metastatic PC-3 and weakly metastatic LNCaP human prostate cancer cell lines. METHODS. The whole-cell configuration of the patch clamp recording techniqu e was used to record voltage-gated currents from LNCaP and PC-3 cell lines. The responses to different voltage-clamp protocols, sensitivity to externa l Ca2+, and addition of drugs and toxins were explored. RESULTS. Voltage-gated K+ current density was significantly larger in LNCaP than PC-3 cells. In addition, the K+ currents in a sub-population of PC-3 cells were Ca2+-sensitive. These properties reflected the differential meta static character of the cells, the PC-3 cells appearing potentially more "e xcitable". CONCLUSIONS. Prostate cancer cells of varying metastatic ability can be dis tinguished by their ion channel characteristics. The possible contribution( s) of K+ channel activity to development of malignancy needs exploration. P rostate 46:262-274, 2001. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.