Regulation of Energy Homeostasis in Cancer

The disease called cancer is actually the abnormal uncontrolled growth and proliferation of cells in our body by mutation. Reprogramming of metabolism in order to carry on the growth and proliferation of cancer cells is one of the most important changes seen in cancer cells. Altered metabolism is among the main causes of cancer. Cancer cells consume a lot of energy therefore it starts seeking for alternative fuels and their metabolisms vary compared to normal cells. The most important of these differences is aerobic glycolysis known as the ‘Warburg effect’. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an energy sensor of our body and keeps it in a certain order. AMPK provides the balance between catabolism and anabolism. Another issue that needs to be mentioned in cancer metabolism is the p53 gene. The p53 gene is the most frequently mutated gene in cancer cells and is responsible for cell cycle and death. It is our circadian system that regulates metabolism in a 24-hour rhythm. In daily nutrition, the time of feeding is as important as the amount of energy intake. Our circadian system regulates glucose, lipid and energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis, as well as hunger and satiety cycles. Changes in metabolism occur when the order of the circadian system has been left. This situation causes the metabolic diseases. Circadian disruption has a carcinogenic effect on our body. We should try to protect our health by maintaining our circadian system. In this review we discuss the regulation of energy homeostasis with glucose, alternative ways, and circadian rhythm disruption in cancer cells.