Metabolism in the tumor cell and beyond

Mol Oncol. 2023 Jun;17(6):921-924. doi: 10.1002/1878-0261.13467. Epub 2023 Jun 6.

Abstract

The process of cellular transformation encompasses the acquisition of key and distinctive features, commonly known as hallmarks of cancer. These hallmarks are supported by tumor-intrinsic molecular alterations, as well as changes in the microenvironment. Cellular metabolism represents one of the most intimate connections between a cell and the environment. In turn, metabolic adaptation is a research field of increasing interest in cancer biology. In this viewpoint, I will provide a panoramic perspective of the relevance and repercussions of metabolic alterations in tumors with nonexhaustive illustrative examples and I will speculate about the prospects of cancer metabolism research.

Keywords: anabolism; cancer metabolism; metabolic vulnerability; tumor microenvironment.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / metabolism
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Tumor Microenvironment