Oncometabolism

Oncometabolism refers to the altered metabolic pathways observed in cancer cells. These metabolic shifts are not simply a consequence of rapid proliferation but are actively driven by oncogenic mutations and tumor microenvironment signals. Cancer cells often exhibit increased glucose uptake and glycolysis, even in the presence of oxygen, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. This supports rapid biomass production necessary for cell division. Beyond glucose, cancer cells can also reprogram their metabolism to utilize other nutrients like glutamine and fatty acids. These alterations provide building blocks for DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis, as well as energy. Furthermore, oncometabolism plays a crucial role in maintaining redox balance, helping cancer cells cope with the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by their accelerated metabolism. Understanding oncometabolism has opened up new avenues for cancer therapy, with researchers developing drugs that target these unique metabolic vulnerabilities of cancer cells. Inhibiting specific enzymes or nutrient transporters involved in oncometabolism aims to starve cancer cells or disrupt their ability to survive and proliferate.