Breakthrough Study Reveals Key Mechanism Driving Liver Cancer Tumor Growth
TL;DR
Discovering PDHX acetylation as a biomarker and therapeutic target provides a competitive edge in liver cancer treatment.
PDHX acetylation at lysine 488 by acetyltransferase p300 disrupts PDC assembly, rerouting glucose metabolism to aerobic glycolysis, promoting tumor growth.
Uncovering the role of PDHX acetylation in liver cancer offers new possibilities for treatment, improving patient prognosis and advancing cancer research.
The study reveals a novel regulatory mechanism of PDHX acetylation, shedding light on metabolic alterations fueling cancer growth and potential therapeutic targets.
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Scientists have discovered a critical metabolic mechanism that accelerates liver cancer progression, potentially opening new pathways for diagnosis and treatment. A study published in Protein & Cell reveals how acetylation of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex component X (PDHX) drives tumor growth by fundamentally altering cellular metabolism.
The research demonstrates that acetylation of PDHX at lysine 488 by the acetyltransferase p300 disrupts the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC), redirecting glucose metabolism towards aerobic glycolysis. This metabolic shift promotes tumor growth by increasing lactate production and triggering oncogene expression.
Researchers found that PDHX acetylation is significantly upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and correlates with poor patient prognosis. By inhibiting PDHX acetylation or restoring PDC activity, the study showed potential for suppressing tumor development.
The findings offer promising implications for liver cancer management. PDHX acetylation could serve as a diagnostic biomarker, helping predict tumor progression and patient outcomes. Moreover, the research suggests potential therapeutic strategies, such as targeting the p300 acetyltransferase or using drugs like dichloroacetate to restore metabolic function.
Dr. Huafeng Zhang, a senior study author, emphasized the significance of the discovery, noting that it provides new insights into cancer metabolism and creates opportunities for developing targeted therapeutic interventions.
While further research is needed, this study represents a significant step forward in understanding the complex metabolic mechanisms underlying liver cancer progression, potentially paving the way for more personalized and effective treatment approaches.
Curated from 24-7 Press Release
