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Antagonistic role of natural compounds in mTOR-mediated metabolic reprogramming

Claudia Cerella1, Anthoula Gaigneaux1, Mario Dicato1

  • 1Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire de Cancer, Hôpital Kirchberg 9, rue Edward Steichen, L-2540 Luxembourg, Luxembourg.

Cancer Letters
|February 18, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Cancer cells alter metabolism early, a key step in tumor development. This review explores how natural compounds can target these metabolic changes for cancer prevention and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Metabolic Pathways

Background:

  • Cellular metabolism reprogramming is an early event in carcinogenesis, crucial for cancer hallmark establishment.
  • Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes regulate metabolism via nutrient-sensing pathways.
  • Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) integrates metabolic networks, modulating key genes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review key pathways and genes involved in cancer metabolic reprogramming.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of natural compounds in targeting oncogenic metabolic aberrations.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific articles on cancer metabolism, oncogenes, tumor suppressors, mTOR, and natural compounds.
  • Analysis of metabolic pathways and gene regulation in carcinogenesis.
  • Evaluation of natural compounds' properties for chemoprevention and therapy.

Main Results:

  • Metabolic reprogramming is fundamental for cancer initiation and progression.
  • The mTOR pathway plays a central role in coordinating cancer metabolism.
  • Natural compounds show promise in modulating cancer-associated metabolic pathways.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting metabolic reprogramming is a promising strategy in cancer therapy.
  • Natural compounds offer a viable source for developing novel anti-cancer agents.
  • Further research into natural compounds' mechanisms against metabolic aberrations is warranted.
Keywords:
CancerMetabolismNatural compoundsmTOR

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