A research group led by The University of Osaka in Japan has developed a novel method for analysing cancer metabolism, revealing new insights into cancer’s inefficient energy process.
The breakthrough, published in Metabolic Engineering, combines biological experiments with advanced information science techniques to uncover the role of cancer-specific inefficient metabolism.
Cancer cells are characterized by their increased glucose uptake, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. While this increased glucose consumption would seemingly provide ample fuel for the energy demands of uncontrolled cell division, cancer cells use the glucose inefficiently, favouring aerobic glycolysis (a less energy-productive metabolic pathway) even when sufficient oxygen is available for more efficient oxidative phosphorylation.
The reasons behind this seemingly paradoxical preference for less efficient energy production remain incompletely understood, and the precise mechanisms driving this metabolic shift are still being investigated. Existing methods for metabolic analysis often struggle to fully elucidate these cancer-specific pathways due to the inherent complexities of cellular metabolism.
This research used a unique approach, combining metabolic flow analysis with computational modelling. It involved using stable isotope tracing to track the glucose and reveal how it is processed within cells. The computational model then integrated these findings to predict the flow of metabolism through various pathways, providing a key factor that can reproduce the cancer-specific metabolism in computer simulation. The results suggest inefficient cancer metabolism can reduce heat generation for energy acquisition.
Understanding the metabolic characteristics of cancer cells is crucial for developing effective cancer treatments. This research provides a new tool for identifying metabolic vulnerabilities that can be targeted by novel therapeutics. This could lead to the development of more effective and personalised cancer treatments with fewer side effects.
Nobuyuki Okahashi, lead author of the study, said: “Our integrated approach allows us to gain a much deeper understanding of the metabolic reprogramming that occurs in cancer. We believe this will pave the way for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies targeting cancer-specific metabolic pathways.”
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