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Reprogrammed metabolism of cancer cells as a potential therapeutic target

Jaap Keijer, Dorien A M van Dartel1

  • 1Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, De Elst 1, PO box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands. jaap.keijer@wur.nl.

Current Pharmaceutical Design
|July 18, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Cancer cells reprogram their metabolism, relying on glycolysis for energy and growth. Targeting this altered cancer metabolism offers new therapeutic strategies, including nutritional interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Metabolic Pathways

Background:

  • Cancer cells exhibit significant metabolic reprogramming compared to normal cells.
  • This metabolic shift supports uncontrolled proliferation, survival, and resistance to apoptosis.
  • Altered cancer metabolism is a recognized hallmark of cancer, driving tumor progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the metabolic reprogramming characteristic of cancer cells.
  • To elucidate the relationship between metabolic alterations, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis resistance.
  • To explore therapeutic strategies targeting cancer metabolism, including nutritional interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of metabolic reprogramming in cancer.
  • Analysis of the link between cancer metabolism, cell cycle, and apoptosis.
  • Identification of therapeutic targets and nutritional intervention strategies.

Main Results:

  • Cancer cells predominantly utilize glycolysis for ATP production.
  • Metabolic alterations enable biosynthesis of essential components for cell growth.
  • Reprogrammed metabolism contributes to resistance to programmed cell death (apoptosis).

Conclusions:

  • Targeting cancer cell metabolism presents a promising therapeutic avenue.
  • Nutritional strategies and bioactive food components can be leveraged for cancer treatment.
  • Understanding metabolic reprogramming is crucial for developing effective cancer therapies.

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