Snail reprograms glucose metabolism by repressing phosphofructokinase PFKP allowing cancer cell survival under metabolic stress

Authors

Nam Hee Kim (1st author, Yonsei University College of Dentistry), Yong Hoon Cha (1st author, Yonsei University College of Dentistry), Jueun Lee (KBSI), Seon-Hyeong Lee (National Cancer Center), Ji Hye Yang (Yonsei University College of Dentistry), Jun Seop Yun (Yonsei University College of Dentistry), Eunae Sandra Cho (Yonsei University College of Dentistry), Xianglan Zhang (Yonsei University College of Dentistry), Miso Nam (KBSI), Nami Kim (KBSI), Young-Su Yuk (Yonsei University College of Dentistry), So Young Cha (Yonsei University College of Dentistry), Yoonmi Lee (Yonsei University College of Dentistry), Joo Kyung Ryu (Yonsei University College of Dentistry), Sunghyouk Park (Seoul National University College of Pharmacy), Jae-Ho Cheong (Yonsei University College of Medicine), Sang Won Kang (Ewha Womans University), Soo-Youl Kim (National Cancer Center), Jong In Yook (corresponding author, Yonsei University College of Dentistry), Hyun Sil Kim (corresponding author, Yonsei University College of Dentistry)

Abstract

Metastasis is known to be the leading cause of death in cancer patients. However, previous studies have not reported how the metastatic cancer cells regulate their metabolism under metabolic stress. In this study, we develop metabolomics-based technology to observe metabolic alterations in metastatic cancer cells. In addition, we demonstrated that the Snail-phosphofructokinase, platelet (PFKP) axis plays an important role in cancer cell survival via regulation of glucose flux between glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP).

Expected Contribution to Science & Technology

These findings provide a new therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

• A technology for observing metabolic alterations in metastatic cancer cells
• A schematic diagram of regulating metabolism by the Snail/PFKP axis in cancer cells