Work

Mechanisms, impacts and therapeutic strategies of glucose metabolic reprogramming in tumours

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Glucose metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer, best exemplified by the Warburg effect. It plays a central role in driving tumour growth, metastasis and resistance to therapy. Main Findings This review systematically delineates the molecular underpinnings of this metabolic shift, encompassing the roles of key glycolytic enzymes, transporters, oncogenic signalling pathways and multilayered epigenetic regulation. We further propose a novel framework that conceptualizes glucose metabolism as an integrated system for signal transduction and niche engineering, which remodels the tumour microenvironment to promote immunosuppression. Translational Significance Finally, we highlight the translational applications of these insights, including metabolic imaging for diagnosis and prognosis and therapeutic strategies targeting glycolytic pathways, applied both as monotherapies and in rational combinations with conventional and emerging treatments. Conclusion Targeting glucose metabolic reprogramming offers a promising perspective and novel strategies for cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Source: Clinical and Translational Discovery

DOI: 10.1002/ctd2.70100

Authors: Li Ma, Ming‐yang Wu, Cui‐cui Tian, Hao‐ze Shi, Dan Song

Institutions: Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Dermatology Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Cancer, Hypoxia, and Metabolism

Subfield: Cancer Research

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,420