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Related Concept Videos

Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells02:53

Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells

Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells02:53

Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells

Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
The Tumor Microenvironment02:17

The Tumor Microenvironment

Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
The Tumor Microenvironment02:17

The Tumor Microenvironment

Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway01:22

PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway

The mammalian target of rapamycin  (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1  (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2  (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast,  mTORC2 consists of a rapamycin-insensitive companion...
Cancer02:18

Cancer

Cancers arise due to mutations in genes involved in the regulation of cell division, which leads to unrestricted cell proliferation. Modern science and medicine have made great strides in the understanding and treatment of cancer, including eradicating cancer in some patients. However, there is still no cure for cancer. This is largely due to the fact that cancer is a large group of many diseases.

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Updated: May 27, 2026

Assessment of the Metabolic Profile of Primary Leukemia Cells
06:21

Assessment of the Metabolic Profile of Primary Leukemia Cells

Published on: November 21, 2018

Tumor cell metabolism: an integral view.

Susana Romero-Garcia1, Jose Sullivan Lopez-Gonzalez, José Luis Báez-Viveros

  • 1Departamento de Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias "Ismael Cosío Villegas", Tlalpan, Mexico City, Mexico.

Cancer Biology & Therapy
|November 8, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Cancer cells reprogram their metabolism to fuel rapid growth and survival. This review details how enhanced glycolysis, glutaminolysis, and altered mitochondrial function support tumor proliferation and the acidic tumor microenvironment.

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Advancements in the Metabolic Profiling of Three-Dimensional Brain Tumor Spheroids for Drug Screening
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Assessment of the Metabolic Profile of Primary Leukemia Cells
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Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Cancer is fundamentally a genetic disease driven by mutations.
  • Tumor cell metabolism is known to be altered, but mechanisms are emerging.
  • Metabolic reprogramming is crucial for cancer cell proliferation and survival.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an integrated overview of tumor cell metabolism.
  • To explain how metabolic pathways are reprogrammed in cancer.
  • To highlight the role of the tumor microenvironment and mitochondria.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of cancer metabolism.
  • Analysis of metabolic pathway alterations in tumor cells.
  • Discussion of biochemical processes supporting cancer.

Main Results:

  • Glycolysis is enhanced for ATP production.
  • Glucose and glutamine fuel biosynthesis and energy needs.
  • Glutaminolysis supports NADPH regeneration and replenishes the Krebs cycle.
  • Tumor microenvironment acidosis results from increased lactic acid production.
  • Mitochondria play a key role in supporting tumor metabolism.

Conclusions:

  • Metabolic reprogramming is essential for cancer cell proliferation and survival.
  • Altered metabolism, including lactic acidosis, drives cancer progression.
  • Mitochondrial function is critical for meeting the metabolic demands of tumors.