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Hexokinase 2 promotes tumor development and progression.

Guojuan Wang1, Yujuan Lai1,2, Xiudan Chen2

  • 1Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China.

American Journal of Cancer Research
|November 17, 2025
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Hexokinase 2 (HK2) is crucial for cancer cell growth by driving glycolysis. Targeting HK2 offers a promising strategy for developing new cancer therapies.

Keywords:
Hexokinase 2Warburg effectapoptosisdrug resistanceproliferationtumor metabolism

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Oncology
  • Metabolic pathways

Background:

  • Cancer cells exhibit altered metabolism, notably increased glycolysis, to fuel rapid proliferation.
  • Glycolysis provides energy and building blocks, supporting tumor survival, invasion, and metastasis.
  • Hexokinase (HK) enzymes are key regulators of glycolysis, with HK2 being particularly important in cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the critical role of hexokinase 2 (HK2) in tumor development and progression.
  • To discuss emerging therapeutic strategies targeting HK2 for cancer treatment.
  • To provide insights into metabolism-based cancer therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current evidence on HK2's function in cancer.
  • Analysis of studies demonstrating HK2 upregulation in various cancer types.
  • Exploration of therapeutic approaches targeting HK2.

Main Results:

  • HK2 is significantly upregulated in many cancers, promoting tumor initiation and progression.
  • HK2 contributes to cancer by suppressing apoptosis and enhancing proliferation and metastasis.
  • Targeting HK2 presents a potential avenue for novel cancer treatments.

Conclusions:

  • HK2 plays a central role in cancer metabolic reprogramming, supporting tumor growth and spread.
  • Understanding the link between HK2 and cancer is vital for developing effective metabolism-based therapies.
  • Targeting HK2 holds promise for future clinical applications in oncology.