Ammonia signaling network: the intersection of tumor metabolism, epigenetics, and metastasis

The ammonia signaling network plays a central role in the tumor microenvironment. It has evolved from a traditional concept of metabolic waste into a critical signaling molecule that profoundly promotes the progression of malignant tumors by regulating metabolic remodeling, epigenetic modifications, and tumor metastasis. As research continues to deepen, scientists have gradually revealed the molecular mechanisms of the ammonia signaling network in tumorigenesis and evolution, although a comprehensive understanding remains to be achieved. This network not only regulates the metabolic state of tumor cells but also enhances their migratory capacity by orchestrating epigenetic changes, thereby driving tumor metastasis and immune evasion. This article aims to systematically elucidate the significance of the ammonia signaling network in tumor metabolic dysregulation and epigenetic remodeling, delve into its role in the process of tumor metastasis, and ultimately outline potential therapeutic strategies targeting this network. By linking metabolism, epigenetics, and immunology, the ammonia signaling network provides a unified paradigm for understanding tumor biology and offers new insights and directions for future research and clinical interventions.