Researchers identify how cancer cells adapt to survive harsh tumor microenvironments

To better understand the conditions that select for the Warburg Effect and the mechanisms where cells can express this metabolic adaptation, researchers subjected nonmalignant cells to the harsh tumor microenvironment that is present during early carcinogenesis, known as ductal carcinoma in situ. In a new research article, the team shows that these conditions select for cells to express a Warburg Effect.

Quelle: Sciencedaily

About metabolism of a carcinoma cell

Most cancer cells utilize aerobic glycolysis irrespective of their tissue of origin. The alteration from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis – called the Warburg effect – is an universal phenomen and has now become a diagnostic tool for cancer detection.

Warburg O, Posener K, Negelein E. (1924) Über den Stoffwechsel der Carcinomzelle. Biochem Z. 152, 309–344.