Moonlighting functions of metabolic enzymes and metabolites in cancer

Mol Cell. 2021 Sep 16;81(18):3760-3774. doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.08.031.

Abstract

The growing field of tumor metabolism has greatly expanded our knowledge of metabolic reprogramming in cancer. Apart from their established roles, various metabolic enzymes and metabolites harbor non-canonical ("moonlighting") functions to support malignant transformation. In this article, we intend to review the current understanding of moonlighting functions of metabolic enzymes and related metabolites broadly existing in cancer cells by dissecting each major metabolic pathway and its regulation of cellular behaviors. Understanding these non-canonical functions may broaden the horizon of the cancer metabolism field and uncover novel therapeutic vulnerabilities in cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Carbohydrate Metabolism / physiology
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Lipid Metabolism / physiology
  • Metabolic Networks and Pathways
  • Metabolomics / methods
  • Neoplasms / enzymology*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Nitrogen / metabolism
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational / physiology
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Nitrogen