Cancer metabolism has emerged as a crucial determinant in tumor development and progression, with dysregulated metabolic pathways supporting the energy demands of rapidly proliferating cancer cells. Among these metabolic alterations, glycolysis, a process that converts glucose into pyruvate, has gained significant attention due to its unique impact on cancer cell survival and proliferation. In this study, we investigate the pivotal role of glycolysis in cancer metabolism and explore its potential implications for targeted therapies. Through in vitro analyses, we demonstrate that cancer cells exhibit enhanced glycolytic activity, a hallmark feature of the Warburg effect, compared to their normal counterparts. Gene expression analysis reveals upregulation of key glycolytic enzymes, substantiating the importance of glycolysis in cancer cells' energy metabolism. To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting glycolysis, we employ glycolysis inhibitors, such as 2-deoxyglucose and lonidamine, in various cancer cell lines. The results indicate that glycolysis inhibition significantly reduces cancer cell viability and induces apoptosis, suggesting the potential efficacy of glycolysis-targeting therapies. Metabolomic profiling further elucidates the metabolic rewiring induced by glycolysis inhibition, underscoring the disruption of glycolytic intermediates and the potential of targeting this pathway for cancer treatment. In vivo experiments using xenograft mouse models demonstrate that glycolysis inhibition effectively suppresses tumor growth, supporting its clinical relevance as a therapeutic strategy. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges and potential resistance mechanisms that may arise from targeting glycolysis as a monotherapy. The importance of personalized approaches to targeted therapies is emphasized, considering the heterogeneity of cancer metabolism among different tumor types and individual patients. Overall, this study contributes valuable insights into the critical role of glycolysis in cancer metabolism and its implications for targeted therapies. The findings underscore the potential of glycolysis inhibition as an effective treatment approach in combating cancer and open new avenues for the development of innovative and tailored therapeutic strategies.
KeywordsGlycolytic enzymes; Glucose metabolism; Rigid therapies; Targeted therapies
Published Date: 2023-08-31; Received Date: 2023-08-03
