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Amino acids in cancer.
Elizabeth L Lieu1, Tu Nguyen1, Shawn Rhyne1
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
Experimental & Molecular Medicine
|January 26, 2020
Summary
Cancer cells reprogram amino acid metabolism for growth and survival. This review explores amino acid roles in biosynthesis, energy, redox balance, and epigenetic regulation, highlighting therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Metabolism
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer, initially identified through aerobic glycolysis.
- Research has expanded beyond central carbon metabolism to include non-carbon metabolic pathways.
- Amino acid metabolism is significantly altered in cancer cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of amino acids in cancer.
- To discuss amino acid contributions to the tumor microenvironment.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets within amino acid metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cancer metabolism studies.
- Analysis of amino acid roles in cancer cell viability and growth.
- Examination of amino acid transporters and transaminases.
Main Results:
- Amino acids are crucial for cancer cell biosynthesis, energy production, and redox balance.
- Amino acid derivatives influence epigenetic regulation and immune responses in cancer.
- Altered amino acid metabolism presents vulnerabilities for therapeutic intervention.
Conclusions:
- Amino acid metabolism is a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of cancer biology.
- Targeting amino acid pathways offers promising therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
- Further research into amino acid metabolism can uncover novel anti-cancer approaches.
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