Altered metabolism in cancer: insights into energy pathways and therapeutic targets

• Published in: Molecular cancer Vol. 23; no. 1; pp. 203 - 40
• Main Authors: Tufail, Muhammad, Jiang, Can-Hua, Li, Ning
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central Ltd 18-09-2024; BioMed Central; BMC
• Subjects: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents - pharmacology; Antineoplastic Agents - therapeutic use; Cancer; Cancer metabolism; Cell metabolism; Complications and side effects; Development and progression; Energy Metabolism; Glutaminolysis; Glycolysis; Health aspects; Humans; Lipid Metabolism; Metabolic diseases; Metabolic Networks and Pathways; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Neoplasms - drug therapy; Neoplasms - genetics; Neoplasms - metabolism; Neoplasms - pathology; Oxidative Phosphorylation; Review; Risk factors; Tumor Microenvironment; China; Glycolysis; Glutaminolysis; Lipid metabolism; Cancer metabolism; Oxidative phosphorylation
• ISSN: 1476-4598; 1476-4598
• DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02119-3

Cancer cells undergo significant metabolic reprogramming to support their rapid growth and survival. This study examines important metabolic pathways like glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, glutaminolysis, and lipid metabolism, focusing on how they are regulated and their contributions to the development of tumors. The interplay between oncogenes, tumor suppressors, epigenetic modifications, and the tumor microenvironment in modulating these pathways is examined. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting cancer metabolism, presenting inhibitors of glycolysis, glutaminolysis, the TCA cycle, fatty acid oxidation, LDH, and glucose transport, alongside emerging strategies targeting oxidative phosphorylation and lipid synthesis. Despite the promise, challenges such as metabolic plasticity and the need for combination therapies and robust biomarkers persist, underscoring the necessity for continued research in this dynamic field.