Reprogramming of central carbon metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma

In multicellular organisms, nutrient uptake and its metabolism are subject to stringent regulation to maintain cellular integrity and prevent aberrant cell proliferation. However, the altered signaling pathways and gene expression disorders in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) induce the transformation of metabolic patterns. The reprogrammed metabolic pattern not only conferred HCC cells viability in nutrient-deficient environments, but also contributed to the formation of a unique immune surveillance barrier. Furthermore, in this metabolic pattern, the accumulation of a large number of oxidation products in cells also activates tumor-related signaling pathways. Therefore, the exploration of underlying molecular mechanisms of the metabolic switch will help to improve therapeutic strategies for HCC. We systematically reviewed the landmark events and current research breakthroughs in the study of glucometabolic reprogramming in HCC. Focusing on the central carbon metabolism, the internal energy conversion in HCC and its cancerous mechanisms were fully explained. Furthermore, we also discussed the HCC-specific acellular regulation, metabolic switch of cancer stem cells, oxidative stress adaptation and the formation of immunosuppressive microenvironment, hoping to provide insights for future basic and clinical research.