Research Advances in Branched-chain Amino Acid Metabolism in Tumors

Overview

Journal Mol Cell Biochem

Publisher Springer

Specialty Biochemistry

Date 2024 Nov 22

PMID 39576465

Authors

Zheng Li

Sainan Chen

Xuechao Wu

Fei Liu

Jing Zhu

Jiayi Chen

Xiaojie Lu

Rui Chi

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The metabolic reprogramming of amino acids is an important component of tumor metabolism. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) perform important functions in tumor progression. They are the important amino donor and are involved in the synthesis of various non-essential amino acids, nucleotides, and polyamines to satisfy the increased demand for nitrogen sources. This review summarizes the studies related to abnormalities in BCAA metabolism during tumorigenesis and the potential therapeutic targets. The expression of BCAA transporters was significantly upregulated in tumor cells, which increases BCAA uptake. High expression of the BCAA transaminases is prevalent in various tumors, however, the dehydrogenation step of BCAA catabolism is inhibited in tumors. This review shows that BCAA metabolic reprogramming is an important tumor metabolic feature, and metabolic genes of BCAAs play a crucial role in tumor metabolism, representing a good auxiliary target for early clinical diagnosis and treatment. In addition, BCAAs are indispensable for maintaining immune system function, and dietary supplementation with BCAAs can enhance the activity of immune cells. Therefore, BCAA supplementation in tumor patients may affect the interaction between the immune system and tumors.

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