Lactate transporters in the context of prostate cancer metabolism: what do we know?

Int J Mol Sci. 2014 Oct 13;15(10):18333-48. doi: 10.3390/ijms151018333.

Abstract

Metabolic changes during malignant transformation have been noted for many years in tumours. Otto Warburg first reported that cancer cells preferentially rely on glycolysis for energy production, even in the presence of oxygen, leading to the production of high levels of lactate. The crucial role of lactate efflux and exchange within the tumour microenvironment drew attention to monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). MCTs have been recognized as promising targets in cancer therapy, and their expression was described in a large variety of tumours; however, studies showing how these isoforms contribute to the acquisition of the malignant phenotype are scarce and still unclear regarding prostate cancer. In this review, we focus on the role for MCTs in cell metabolism, supporting the development and progression of prostate cancer, and discuss the exploitation of the metabolic nature of prostate cancer for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Glycolysis
  • Humans
  • Lactic Acid / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Monocarboxylic Acid Transporters / analysis
  • Monocarboxylic Acid Transporters / metabolism*
  • Prostate / metabolism*
  • Prostate / pathology*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Tumor Microenvironment*

Substances

  • Monocarboxylic Acid Transporters
  • Lactic Acid