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Nonmetabolic functions of metabolic enzymes in cancer development

Sean Lu1, Yugang Wang2

  • 1Brain Tumor Center and Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.

Cancer Communications (London, England)
|October 28, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Metabolic enzymes perform nonmetabolic functions in cancer, including protein modifications and altered localization. Targeting these novel roles offers potential for cancer treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Metabolism, a core biological process, relies on enzymes.
  • Cancer cells exhibit aberrant signaling, altering metabolic enzyme functions.
  • Metabolic enzymes are increasingly recognized for roles beyond metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the nonmetabolic functions of metabolic enzymes in cancer.
  • To highlight enzyme-mediated protein post-translational modifications.
  • To evaluate targeting these functions for cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of metabolic enzymes in cancer.
  • Analysis of protein phosphorylation, acetylation, and succinylation by metabolic enzymes.
  • Examination of altered subcellular localization of metabolic enzymes.

Main Results:

  • Metabolic enzymes catalyze protein post-translational modifications, not just metabolite reactions.
  • Altered enzyme localization enables direct participation in nonmetabolic cellular activities.
  • Specific metabolic enzymes are implicated in cancer development through these nonmetabolic roles.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding nonmetabolic functions redefines roles of metabolic enzymes.
  • These nonmetabolic activities are crucial in cancer progression.
  • Targeting nonmetabolic functions presents a promising avenue for novel cancer treatments.
Keywords:
AcetylationFunctionMetabolic enzymesMetabolite productsMitochondriaPhosphorylationProtein kinaseSuccinylation

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