Differential Expression of Kv1.3 and Kv1.5 Voltage-Dependent K+ Channels in Human Skeletal Muscle Sarcomas

Because Kv1.3 and Kv1.5 K+ channels are remodeled during tumorigenesis and participate in skeletal muscle proliferation, we analyzed their expression in human skeletal muscle sarcomas. Aggressive alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) were studied. Kv1.5 expression was moderate in adult muscle and low in ERMS, whereas it was notable in ARMS and embryonic samples. Kv1.3 expression showed no major differences between RMS and healthy samples. We found a correlation of Kv1.3 and Kv1.5 expression with the tumor malignancy.