Reprogrammed Metabolism of Cancer Cells as a Potential Therapeutic Target

Jaap      Keijer; Dorien   A.M.   van Dartel

Abstract

Metabolism in cancer cells is reprogrammed. Cancer cells largely depend on glycolysis for ATP production. The metabolic alterations in cancer cells facilitate resistance to cell death as well as biosynthesis of nucleotides and lipids, building blocks for growth. The reprogrammed metabolism is increasingly seen as a target in cancer therapy. This review describes the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells and illustrates how this is related to cell cycle and apoptosis resistance. Is also describes various scenarios for targeting cancer cell metabolism and highlights options for interventions with nutrition and bioactive food components.

Keywords: Mitochondria, metabolic reprogramming, energy metabolism, targeting metabolism, AMPK, mTOR, polyphenols, apoptosis, ROS, bioactive food components.