Cancer metabolism and carcinogenesis

Abstract

Metabolic reprogramming is an emerging hallmark of cancer cells, enabling them to meet increased nutrient and energy demands while withstanding the challenging microenvironment. Cancer cells can switch their metabolic pathways, allowing them to adapt to different microenvironments and therapeutic interventions. This refers to metabolic heterogeneity, in which different cell populations use different metabolic pathways to sustain their survival and proliferation and impact their response to conventional cancer therapies. Thus, targeting cancer metabolic heterogeneity represents an innovative therapeutic avenue with the potential to overcome treatment resistance and improve therapeutic outcomes. This review discusses the metabolic patterns of different cancer cell populations and developmental stages, summarizes the molecular mechanisms involved in the intricate interactions within cancer metabolism, and highlights the clinical potential of targeting metabolic vulnerabilities as a promising therapeutic regimen. We aim to unravel the complex of metabolic characteristics and develop personalized treatment approaches to address distinct metabolic traits, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

High expression of NXPH4 correlates with poor prognosis, metabolic reprogramming, and immune infiltration in colon adenocarcinoma

“…GO, KEGG, and GSEA analyses implied that NXPH4-associated DEGs play important roles including intracellular signaling transduction, inflammatory response, glycolysis, and hypoxia. Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer, providing energy and macromolecules to support rapid proliferation ( 48 ). Increased aerobic glycolysis and adaptations to hypoxic stress are most common metabolic reprogramming events that facilitate glucose uptake and energy production ( 49 ).…”

Elucidating the Role of Lipid-Metabolism-Related Signal Transduction and Inhibitors in Skin Cancer

“…Cancer cells exploit this metabolic reprogramming to produce essential macromolecules and metabolites [11][12][13]. Moreover, cancer cells must adapt their metabolic processes to manage the challenging conditions of tumor microenvironments, which are marked by low oxygen levels, elevated oxidative stress, acidity, and scarce nutrients [14]. To adapt to hypoxia and nutrient shortages, tumor cells modify their metabolic pathways to meet their requirements for energy production, biosynthesis, and redox balance [15].…”