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Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Oncogene Expression Analysis with Alterations in pH in a Pancreatic Ductal Cell Line
Published on: April 11, 2025
An alteration of the endocrine pancreas involved in cancer
1, 2 av.Aristide Briand, 91440, Bures sur Yvette, France, mauisrael@wanadoo.fr.
Abstract:
Tumor cells display hybrid metabolic features: some of their enzymes are phosphorylated as normally observed when catabolic hormones stimulate Gs-coupled receptors, whereas other enzymes adopt a configuration normally found in anabolic situations, mediated via tyrosine kinase receptors. Consequently, tumor cells have to rewire their metabolic pathways differently, whereas differentiated cells seem to respond preferentially to catabolic hormones. This gives mitotic cells a selective advantage since they deplete other cell reserves for their benefit. The pancreatic gamma aminobutyric acid selection switch between anabolism and catabolism explains the process, that is, a deficient release of gamma aminobutyric acid from beta cells leads to a concomitant release of catabolic glucagon and anabolic insulin and to a progressive desensitisation of insulin receptors on differentiated cells. New stem cells, with non-desensitised insulin receptors, respond to the dual anabolic and catabolic signals and rewire their metabolism in cancer mode. The aim of this letter was to discuss the causal pancreatic alteration of the anabolic-catabolic selection switch.
Insights
Cancer cells exhibit hybrid metabolism, utilizing both anabolic and catabolic pathways. Pancreatic dysfunction disrupts this balance, favoring cancer growth by altering cellular responses to hormones like insulin.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Metabolic pathways
- Cellular signaling
Background:
- Tumor cells exhibit hybrid metabolic phenotypes, integrating both anabolic and catabolic enzyme configurations.
- Differentiated cells primarily respond to catabolic hormones, while tumor cells exhibit altered metabolic rewiring.
- Tyrosine kinase and Gs-coupled receptors mediate distinct enzyme phosphorylations in cancer cells.
Discussion:
- Pancreatic gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) selection switch dysfunction is implicated in cancer development.
- Deficient GABA release from beta cells triggers abnormal glucagon and insulin release.
- Progressive insulin receptor desensitization in differentiated cells favors cancer cell proliferation.
Key Insights:
- Cancer cells exhibit a unique metabolic plasticity, enabling adaptation and growth.
- Dysregulation of the pancreatic anabolic-catabolic switch provides a selective advantage to mitotic cells.
- Stem cells with functional insulin receptors can adopt a 'cancer mode' metabolism.
Outlook:
- Further research into the pancreatic GABA switch could reveal novel therapeutic targets for cancer.
- Understanding the metabolic rewiring in cancer offers potential for targeted metabolic therapies.
- Investigating the role of insulin signaling in cancer metabolism is crucial for future treatment strategies.
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