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Energy Metabolism Profiling of Human Colorectal Tumours
Leenu Reinsalu1,2, Sten Miller1,2, Giuseppe Leonardo Auditano1,2
1Laboratory of Chemical Biology, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Tallinn, Estonia.
Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
|March 5, 2025
Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) cells exhibit a hybrid energy metabolism, utilizing both glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. Understanding this metabolic reprogramming is key for developing novel diagnostic and prognostic strategies for CRC patients.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents a significant global health challenge, necessitating advanced diagnostic and prognostic tools.
- Metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells offers a promising avenue for understanding CRC progression and identifying therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the energy metabolism of colorectal cancer (CRC) tumors at molecular and functional levels.
- To compare the metabolic profiles of CRC tumors with adjacent healthy tissues to identify key alterations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of transcript and protein expression, enzyme activity, pathway flux, and energy metabolite ratios in post-operative CRC tumors and adjacent healthy tissues.
- Quantitative assessment of key enzymes and transporters involved in glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation.
Main Results:
- CRC tumors showed increased glucose transporter 1 and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDH) expression and activity, indicating heightened glycolysis.
- Despite lower creatine kinase and adenylate kinase activity, oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) remained functional with increased catalytic efficiency in tumors.
- Higher OxPhos catalytic efficiency correlated with advanced CRC clinical stages.
Conclusions:
- Colorectal cancer tumors display a hybrid energy metabolism phenotype characterized by active glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation.
- These findings provide molecular insights into CRC energy metabolism, potentially informing the development of new diagnostic and prognostic markers.
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