Joan Carles Ferreres

Publications (3)4.81 Total impact

• Article: Increased voltage-dependent K(+) channel Kv1.3 and Kv1.5 expression correlates with leiomyosarcoma aggressiveness.

  Joanna Bielanska, Javier Hernández-Losa, Teresa Moline, Rosa Somoza, Santiago Ramón Y Cajal, Enric Condom, Joan Carles Ferreres, Antonio Felipe
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  ABSTRACT: Voltage-dependent K(+) channels (Kv) are involved in the proliferation and differentiation of mammalian cells, since Kv antagonists impair cell cycle progression. Although myofibers are terminally differentiated, some myoblasts may re-enter the cell cycle and proliferate. Since Kv1.3 and Kv1.5 expression is remodeled during tumorigenesis and is involved in smooth muscle proliferation, the purpose of this study was to analyze the expression of Kv1.3 and Kv1.5 in smooth muscle neoplasms. In the present study, we examined human samples of smooth muscle tumors together with healthy specimens. Thus, leiomyoma (LM) and leiomyosarcoma (LMS) tumors were analyzed. Results showed that Kv1.3 was poorly expressed in the healthy muscle and indolent LM specimens, whereas aggressive LMS showed high levels of Kv1.3 expression. Kv1.5 staining was correlated with malignancy. The findings show a remodeling of Kv1.3 and Kv1.5 in human smooth muscle sarcoma. A correlation of Kv1.3 and Kv1.5 expression with tumor aggressiveness was observed. Thus, our results indicate Kv1.5 and Kv1.3 as potential tumorigenic targets for aggressive human LMS.
  Oncology letters 08/2012; 4(2):227-230. · 0.11 Impact Factor
• Article: Differential expression of Kv1.3 and Kv1.5 voltage-dependent K+ channels in human skeletal muscle sarcomas.

  Joanna Bielanska, Javier Hernández-Losa, Teresa Moline, Rosa Somoza, Santiago Ramón y Cajal, Enric Condom, Joan Carles Ferreres, Antonio Felipe
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  ABSTRACT: 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.
  Cancer Investigation 03/2012; 30(3):203-8. · 1.85 Impact Factor
• Article: Voltage-dependent potassium channels Kv1.3 and Kv1.5 in human fetus.

  Joanna Bielanska, Javier Hernández-Losa, Teresa Moline, Rosa Somoza, Santiago Ramón Y Cajal, Enric Condom, Joan Carles Ferreres, Antonio Felipe
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  ABSTRACT: Voltage-dependent K(+) channels (Kv) control repolarization and membrane potential in electrically excitable cells. In addition, Kv channels are involved in the maintenance of vascular smooth muscle tone, insulin release, epithelial K(+) transport, cell proliferation and leukocyte activation. Kv1.3 and Kv1.5 are widely distributed throughout the body and are involved in a variety of physiological processes taking place in the immune system, brain and muscle. Since the developmental pattern of Kv channels has an essential role in the maturing human, we aimed to study Kv1.3 and Kv1.5 channels in 8-10 week human fetal tissues. We chose that gestational age because all organs are in place and the nervous system, although not fully developed. However, the human embryo is undergoing major changes, which will lead to a defined adult pattern. Our results indicated that numerous tissues expressed Kv1.3 and Kv1.5. While Kv1.3 overlapped with the central and peripheral nervous systems, Kv1.5 was mostly localized in the central nervous system. In addition, both channels were abundantly expressed in the hematopoietic fetal liver. Finally, Kv1.5 heavily stained skeletal muscle and heart, whereas Kv1.3 was slightly present. This is the first study to analyze Kv1.3 and Kv1.5 in human during the beginning of fetal development.
  Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry 01/2010; 26(2):219-26. · 2.86 Impact Factor