[PDF][PDF] 13C-pyruvate imaging reveals alterations in glycolysis that precede c-Myc-induced tumor formation and regression

S Hu, A Balakrishnan, RA Bok, B Anderton, PEZ Larson… - Cell metabolism, 2011 - cell.com
S Hu, A Balakrishnan, RA Bok, B Anderton, PEZ Larson, SJ Nelson, J Kurhanewicz
Cell metabolism, 2011cell.com
Tumor cells have an altered metabolic phenotype characterized by increased glycolysis and
diminished oxidative phosphorylation. Despite the suspected importance of glycolysis in
tumorigenesis, the temporal relationship between oncogene signaling, in vivo tumor
formation, and glycolytic pathway activity is poorly understood. Moreover, how glycolytic
pathways are altered as tumors regress remains unknown. Here, we use a switchable model
of Myc-driven liver cancer, along with hyperpolarized 13 C-pyruvate magnetic resonance …
Summary
Tumor cells have an altered metabolic phenotype characterized by increased glycolysis and diminished oxidative phosphorylation. Despite the suspected importance of glycolysis in tumorigenesis, the temporal relationship between oncogene signaling, in vivo tumor formation, and glycolytic pathway activity is poorly understood. Moreover, how glycolytic pathways are altered as tumors regress remains unknown. Here, we use a switchable model of Myc-driven liver cancer, along with hyperpolarized 13C-pyruvate magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) to visualize glycolysis in de novo tumor formation and regression. LDHA abundance and activity in tumors is tightly correlated to in vivo pyruvate conversion to lactate and is rapidly inhibited as tumors begin to regress, as are numerous glycolysis pathway genes. Conversion of pyruvate to alanine predominates in precancerous tissues prior to observable morphologic or histological changes. These results demonstrate that metabolic changes precede tumor formation and regression and are directly linked to the activity of a single oncogene.
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