G-quadruplex in cancer energy metabolism: A potential therapeutic target

In recent years, energy metabolism in cancer has received increasing attention as an important component of tumor biology, and the functions of transcription factors, mitochondria, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the autophagy-lysosome system in which have been elucidated. G-quadruplex (G4) is a molecular switch that regulates gene transcription or translation. As an anticancer target, the effect of G4 on cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, cycle and autophagy has been recognized. The energy metabolism system is a unified whole composed of transcription factors, metabolic regulators, metabolites and signaling pathways that run through the entire cancer process. However, the role of G4 in this complex metabolic network has not been systematically elucidated. In this review, we analyze the close correlation between G4 and transcription factors, mitochondria, ROS and the autophagy-lysosome system and suggest that G4 can exert a marked effect on cancer energy metabolism by regulating the above mentioned key regulatory elements. The anticancer effects of some G4 ligands through regulation of energy metabolism have also been summarized, confirming the clear involvement of G4 in energy metabolism. Although much more research is needed, we propose that G4 may play a critical role in the complex energy metabolism system of cancer, which is a promising target for anticancer strategies focusing on energy metabolism.