Aberrant Energy Metabolism in Tumors and Potential Therapeutic Targets

Abstract

Energy metabolic reprogramming is frequently observed during tumor progression as tumor cells necessitate adequate energy production for rapid proliferation. Although current medical research shows promising prospects in studying the characteristics of tumor energy metabolism and developing anti-tumor drugs targeting energy metabolism, there is a lack of systematic compendiums and comprehensive reviews in this field. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review on the characteristics of tumor cells' energy metabolism, with a specific focus on comparing abnormalities between tumor and normal cells, as well as summarizing potential targets for tumor therapy. Additionally, this review also elucidates the aberrant mechanisms underlying four major energy metabolic pathways (glucose, lipid, glutamine, and mitochondria-dependent) during carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Through the utilization of graphical representations, we have identified anomalies in crucial energy metabolism pathways, encompassing transporter proteins (glucose transporter, CD36, and ASCT2), signaling molecules (Ras, AMPK, and PTEN), as well as transcription factors (Myc, HIF-1α, CREB-1, and p53). The key molecules responsible for aberrant energy metabolism in tumors may serve as potential targets for cancer therapy. Therefore, this review provides an overview of the distinct energy-generating pathways within tumor cells, laying the groundwork for developing innovative strategies for precise cancer treatment.