How Does the H+ Exchanger Contribute to Tumor Growth?
The H+ exchanger contributes to tumor growth by supporting the metabolic adaptation of cancer cells. By efficiently extruding H+ ions, the exchanger helps cancer cells avoid the detrimental effects of acidosis, allowing them to continue proliferating even in hostile environments. Additionally, the acidic microenvironment created by the H+ exchanger can promote tumor invasion and metastasis by activating proteases that degrade the extracellular matrix.
