Metabolism in Cancer Lecture

These flashcards cover key concepts related to metabolism changes in cancer, including important terms, mechanisms involved, and the implications for cancer detection and treatment.

Glucose

A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms, and is a key player in metabolic pathways, particularly glycolysis.

Warburg Effect

A metabolic phenomenon where cancer cells preferentially use glycolysis for energy production even in the presence of oxygen, leading to increased lactate production.

Glycolysis

A metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, producing small amounts of ATP and NADH in the process.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

A metabolic pathway that produces ATP using energy derived from the electron transport chain and oxygen.

M2-PK

An enzyme involved in glycolysis that is often associated with cancer metabolism and the regulation of energy production.

Acidic Tumor Microenvironment

The condition resulting from increased lactate production in tumors, leading to a decrease in pH and creating an environment that can promote tumor growth.

Growth Factor Signaling

Cellular signaling processes activated by growth factors that promote cellular growth, proliferation, and metabolism, often dysregulated in cancer.

Glutamine Metabolism

The utilization of glutamine by cells, especially cancer cells, as a nitrogen source for the synthesis of amino acids and nucleotides.

GLUTs

Glucose transporters that facilitate the transport of glucose across the plasma membranes of cells; targets for cancer therapy.

Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC)

An enzyme that is a key regulator of fatty acid metabolism and serves as a target for developing cancer therapies.