Flexibility and Adaptation of Cancer Cells in a Heterogenous Metabolic Microenvironment.
Int J Mol Sci
; 22(3)2021 Feb 02.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33540663
ABSTRACT
The metabolic microenvironment, comprising all soluble and insoluble nutrients and co-factors in the extracellular milieu, has a major impact on cancer cell proliferation and survival. A large body of evidence from recent studies suggests that tumor cells show a high degree of metabolic flexibility and adapt to variations in nutrient availability. Insufficient vascular networks and an imbalance of supply and demand shape the metabolic tumor microenvironment, which typically contains a lower concentration of glucose compared to normal tissues. The present review sheds light on the recent literature on adaptive responses in cancer cells to nutrient deprivation. It focuses on the utilization of alternative nutrients in anabolic metabolic pathways in cancer cells, including soluble metabolites and macromolecules and outlines the role of central metabolic enzymes conferring metabolic flexibility, like gluconeogenesis enzymes. Moreover, a conceptual framework for potential therapies targeting metabolically flexible cancer cells is presented.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Temas:
Geral
/
Tipos_de_cancer
/
Outros_tipos
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Redes e Vias Metabólicas
/
Microambiente Tumoral
/
Neoplasias
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int J Mol Sci
Ano de publicação:
2021
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Áustria