Starving cancer away | Sophia Lunt | TEDxMSU

Recent questions

• How do cancer cells differ in sugar consumption?

  Cancer cells have a unique relationship with sugar, known as the Warburg effect, where they consume more sugar than normal cells. This increased sugar consumption by cancer cells has potential diagnostic applications like PET imaging.

• What role does pyruvate kinase M2 play in cancer cell growth?

  Pyruvate kinase M2, an enzyme altered in all cancer cells, plays a crucial role in cancer cell growth. Experiments deleting it in both normal and cancer cells showed that normal cells stop growing without it, while cancer cells adapt and continue growing, highlighting its significance in cancer cell proliferation.

• How do cancer cells metabolize sugar differently?

  Cancer cells metabolize sugar differently by favoring lactate production even in the presence of oxygen. This unique metabolic pathway supports their growth and division needs for building cellular components like DNA, RNA, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, contributing to their rapid proliferation.

• Can cancer cells adapt their metabolism to bypass pyruvate kinase M2?

  Cancer cells can rewire their metabolism to bypass the need for pyruvate kinase M2. Metabolite analysis using a mass spectrometer has shown that cancer cells have the ability to adapt and continue growing by altering their metabolic pathways, indicating their flexibility in sustaining their energy requirements.

• What is the focus of research on cancer cell metabolism?

  Research on cancer cell metabolism focuses on identifying key metabolic pathways aiding cancer cells, understanding how they support cancer cell functions like survival, growth, and invasion. The ultimate goal is to design personalized therapies targeting mutated or altered enzymes in cancer cells to starve them of their energy source, potentially leading to more effective treatments.