Cytoplasmic physicochemical factors drive malignant transformation by adapting bioenergetic settings

While significant insights have been gained by a study of cancer genetics, the roles of the cytoplasm in regulating chemical processes during the transformation to malignancy are often less appreciated. The cytoplasm functions as a two-phase system consisting of an elastic solid phase (the cytomatrix) and a viscous liquid phase (the cytosol). This finding has led to the development of a tumor progression model based on a two-phase system that connects genetic alterations with the physicochemical processes necessary for sustaining and facilitating malignant growth. Here, we show that the energy required for tumor growth is, in part, required for the cytomatrix activity, which accelerates chemical reactions. The ability to regulate cytomatrix motor proteins provides a mechanism to control whether a genetic mutation is able to induce the energy needed for cancer to develop and offers innovative strategies for cancer treatment.