Tumor-associated metabolic enzyme

Tumor-associated metabolic enzymes represent a broad class of proteins that undergo significant upregulation or functional alteration in cancer cells to support the metabolic demands of rapid growth and survival [PMC6300111]. This metabolic reprogramming, a hallmark of cancer, involves the rewiring of pathways such as glycolysis, glutaminolysis, and fatty acid synthesis to provide the necessary building blocks for biomass accumulation [PMC6300111, ResearchGate]. Notable examples include mutated isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1/2), which generate the oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate, and glutaminase (GLS), which fuels the tricarboxylic acid cycle [PMC6300111]. Therapeutic targeting of these enzymes aims to exploit the metabolic addiction of tumors, offering a window for selective toxicity against malignant cells [PMC6300111, ResearchGate]. Several small-molecule inhibitors, such as ivosidenib and enasidenib, have been successfully developed and approved for clinical use in specific cancer subtypes [MDPI]. However, the high degree of metabolic plasticity in tumors and the potential for systemic side effects due to the inhibition of essential metabolic processes in healthy tissues remain significant challenges in the field [MDPI].

Other names

Cancer metabolic enzymeOncometabolic enzymeMetabolic target in cancerTumor-specific metabolic enzyme

Inhibition of metabolic enzymes to disrupt tumor-specific metabolic pathways and reduce the production of oncometabolites or biosynthetic precursors [PMC6300111].