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Therapeutic targets in cancer cell metabolism and autophagy

Nature Biotechnology volume 30, pages 671–678 (2012)Cite this article

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Abstract

The metabolism of cancer cells is reprogrammed both by oncogene signaling and by dysregulation of metabolic enzymes. The resulting altered metabolism supports cellular proliferation and survival but leaves cancer cells dependent on a continuous supply of nutrients. Thus, many metabolic enzymes have become targets for new cancer therapies. Recently, two processes—expression of specific isoforms of metabolic enzymes and autophagy—have been shown to be crucial for the adaptation of tumor cells to changes in nutrient availability. An increasing number of approved and experimental therapeutics target these two processes. A better understanding of the molecular basis of cancer-associated metabolic changes may lead to improved cancer therapies.

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Figure 1: Core metabolic pathways and metabolic enzymes suitable as cancer therapeutic targets.
Figure 2: Modulators of the autophagy pathway.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank members of the Thompson laboratory for helpful discussions. C.B.T. is supported by grants from the US National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA

    Heesun Cheong, Chao Lu & Craig B Thompson

  2. Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

    Chao Lu

  3. Immunology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA

    Tullia Lindsten

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Correspondence to Craig B Thompson.

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C.B.T. is a named inventor on patent applications filed by the University of Pennsylvania.

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Cheong, H., Lu, C., Lindsten, T. et al. Therapeutic targets in cancer cell metabolism and autophagy. Nat Biotechnol 30, 671–678 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt.2285

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