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 basic cellular behaviors involved in the metastatic cascade, their role in metastasis per se has only recently been questioned. The hypothesis tested was whether K+ 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 technique was used to record voltage‐gated currents from LNCaP and PC‐3 cell lines. The responses to different voltage‐clamp protocols, sensitivity to external 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 metastatic character of the cells, the PC‐3 cells appearing potentially more “excitable”. CONCLUSIONS Prostate cancer cells of varying metastatic ability can be distinguished by their ion channel characteristics. The possible contribution(s) of K+ channel activity to development of malignancy needs exploration. Prostate 46:262–274, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.