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The Bidirectional Relationship Between Cancer Epigenetics and Metabolism
Luke T Izzo1, Hayley C Affronti1, Kathryn E Wellen1
1Department of Cancer Biology and Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
Annual Review of Cancer Biology
|June 10, 2021
Summary
Cancer cells reprogram both metabolism and epigenetics, a connection that fuels tumor growth. Understanding this metabolic-epigenetic crosstalk offers new therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Metabolic pathways
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming are hallmarks of cancer.
- These processes are intricately linked, influencing each other within the tumor microenvironment.
- Metabolites affect epigenetic enzymes, while epigenetic alterations impact cellular metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the bidirectional relationship between epigenetics and metabolism in cancer.
- To highlight how epigenetic changes drive metabolic adaptations supporting cancer growth.
- To discuss how metabolism regulates epigenetic enzymes in cancer progression.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on metabolic-epigenetic interactions in cancer.
- Analysis of evidence for epigenetic control of metabolic pathways.
- Examination of metabolic regulation of chromatin-modifying enzymes.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic alterations (histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, enhancer activity) can drive metabolic reprogramming essential for cancer proliferation.
- Metabolic pathways provide substrates or inhibitors for epigenetic enzymes, influencing their activity.
- Altered epigenetic enzyme activity impacts cellular metabolism, affecting tumor growth and progression.
Conclusions:
- The interplay between epigenetics and metabolism is a critical driver of cancer.
- Targeting this metabolic-epigenetic crosstalk presents promising therapeutic avenues.
- Dietary interventions may also leverage this connection to enhance cancer therapy.
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