Experimental and Molecular Medicine (Jul 2023)

Metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic modifications in cancer: from the impacts and mechanisms to the treatment potential

  • Xuemeng Xu,
  • Qiu Peng,
  • Xianjie Jiang,
  • Shiming Tan,
  • Yiqing Yang,
  • Wenjuan Yang,
  • Yaqian Han,
  • Yuyu Chen,
  • Linda Oyang,
  • Jinguan Lin,
  • Longzheng Xia,
  • Mingjing Peng,
  • Nayiyuan Wu,
  • Yanyan Tang,
  • Jinyun Li,
  • Qianjin Liao,
  • Yujuan Zhou

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s12276-023-01020-1
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 55, no. 7
pp. 1357 – 1370

Abstract

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Abstract Metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic modifications are hallmarks of cancer cells. In cancer cells, metabolic pathway activity varies during tumorigenesis and cancer progression, indicating regulated metabolic plasticity. Metabolic changes are often closely related to epigenetic changes, such as alterations in the expression or activity of epigenetically modified enzymes, which may exert a direct or an indirect influence on cellular metabolism. Therefore, exploring the mechanisms underlying epigenetic modifications regulating the reprogramming of tumor cell metabolism is important for further understanding tumor pathogenesis. Here, we mainly focus on the latest studies on epigenetic modifications related to cancer cell metabolism regulations, including changes in glucose, lipid and amino acid metabolism in the cancer context, and then emphasize the mechanisms related to tumor cell epigenetic modifications. Specifically, we discuss the role played by DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, noncoding RNAs and histone lactylation in tumor growth and progression. Finally, we summarize the prospects of potential cancer therapeutic strategies based on metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic changes in tumor cells.