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Changes in glucose-transport associated with malignant transformation (review)
International Journal of Oncology
|May 10, 2011
Summary
Cancer cells exhibit altered glucose metabolism, primarily due to increased glucose transporters (GLUT1 and GLUT3). This overexpression aids tumor growth by enhancing glucose uptake in malignant tissues.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Altered glucose metabolism is a hallmark of cancer (neoplasia).
- Malignant transformation enhances glucose transport in cells.
- Early studies used viral transformation and glucose analogs to investigate this phenomenon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the molecular mechanisms of glucose transporter (GLUT) expression in cancer.
- To identify specific GLUT isoforms involved in malignant transformation.
- To understand the role of GLUT1 and GLUT3 in tumor growth.
Main Methods:
- Molecular cloning of glucose transporter (GLUT) proteins.
- Analysis of GLUT isoform expression in transformed cells (fibroblastic and hematopoietic).
- Kinetic and immunological analyses of glucose transport.
- Examination of GLUT1 and GLUT3 expression in clinical cancer samples.
Main Results:
- Viral transformation increases glucose carriers at the plasma membrane.
- GLUT proteins comprise a family of at least six isoforms with distinct properties.
- GLUT1 and GLUT3 isoforms are primarily responsible for altered glucose transport in malignant transformation.
- Overexpression of GLUT1 and GLUT3 is frequently observed in malignant tissues.
Conclusions:
- GLUT1 and GLUT3 are key players in the altered glucose metabolism of cancer cells.
- Disregulation of GLUT1 and GLUT3 expression contributes to malignant transformation.
- Overexpressed GLUT1 and GLUT3 may support tumor growth and progression.
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