Abstract IA05: Targeting MYC-mediated cancer metabolism

Myc, as a transcription factor capable of amplifying gene expression, frequently activates genes involved in cell metabolism to support cell growth and proliferation. Because many metabolic genes are ambiently expressed, it is not surprising in retrospect, that many metabolic genes are targets for Myc-mediated gene expression amplification. Collectively, Myc drives the expression of genes that are involved in glucose uptake, glycolysis, amino acid uptake - particularly glutamine- and catabolism, supporting increased protein synthesis required for a growing cell. In this regard, Myc stimulates many genes involved in nucleotide synthesis, ribosome biogenesis and translation. Furthermore, Myc can stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis and lipogenesis. When Myc is ectopically expressed in oncogenic settings where checkpoints are lost, MYC-transformed cells are constitutively driven to undergo ribosome biogenesis and growth, rendering them addicted to nutrients such as glucose or glutamine. Hence, targeting enzymes that are involved in glycolysis and/or glutaminolysis provides a strategy to treat MYC-driven cancers. We provide proof-of-concept that targeting glutaminolysis in GEMM or xenograft models is feasible and therefore provide a foundation for further studies.Citation Format: Chi Van Dang. Targeting MYC-mediated cancer metabolism. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Myc: From Biology to Therapy; Jan 7-10, 2015; La Jolla, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mo...

Source: Molecular Cancer Research - October 18, 2015 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Dang, C. V. Tags: Myc and Metabolism - Metabolomics: Oral Presentations - Invited Abstracts Source Type: research