Physiological nutrient pathways

Physiological nutrient pathways represent the integrated network of biochemical reactions and signaling cascades responsible for the uptake, conversion, and utilization of nutrients to sustain life and maintain energy homeostasis (Source: StatPearls, 2023). These pathways include core metabolic processes such as glycolysis and the citric acid cycle, as well as regulatory systems like the mTOR and AMPK pathways that sense nutrient availability to control cell growth and autophagy (Source: Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, 2017). Dysregulation of these pathways is a primary driver of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, and is frequently exploited by cancer cells to support rapid proliferation through metabolic reprogramming (Source: NIH/NIDDK, 2024). While the term itself describes a broad physiological system rather than a single molecular entity, it encompasses numerous validated therapeutic targets, including specific enzymes, transporters, and receptors. Drugs interacting with these pathways, such as metformin or insulin, aim to restore metabolic balance or modulate energy flux to treat chronic diseases (Source: PubChem, 2024).

Other names

Metabolic pathwaysNutrient sensing pathwaysNutrient metabolismEnergy metabolismCellular metabolism

Modulation of metabolic flux through the activation or inhibition of specific enzymes, transporters, and nutrient-sensing signaling proteins (such as AMPK or mTOR) to restore homeostatic balance or inhibit disease-related metabolic reprogramming.