About this Research Topic
The Warburg Effect describes a metabolic shift where cells prioritize glycolysis and lactic acid fermentation over oxidative metabolism to produce energy even under normoxic conditions. Initially considered a hallmark of cancer cells, it is now understood that differential metabolic programming is a crucial factor in the survival of both cancer and immune cells. This metabolic reprogramming extends beyond glucose metabolism, involving amino acids, lipids, and adenosine. Additionally, oncogenesis is influenced by complex interactions between cancer cells, immune cells, and stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). In both cancer and activated immune cells, glucose metabolism is reprogrammed, reflecting a highly regulated process rather than a random occurrence. As researchers uncover the molecular profiles driving these metabolic shifts, there is growing potential for novel therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic programming within the TME. These targets could lead to the discovery and development of novel drugs that are efficacious against cancer cells. This would also include the repurposing of well-known drugs against novel cancer-related targets.
Significant progress has been made in understanding the tumor microenvironment (TME), but our knowledge of how metabolic reprogramming in tumor cells influences the TME, as well as how metabolic reprogramming of the TME in turn affects tumor cells, remains limited. Gaining insight into this interaction may provide opportunities for novel treatment strategies. This research topic aims to explore the various forms of metabolic reprogramming that occur within the TME and cancer cells, highlighting the complexity of these processes and their impact on oncogenesis and cancer progression. The focus will include mechanistic insights into metabolic reprogramming and therapeutic opportunities.
We welcome submissions of original research, review, mini-review and method articles that cover the following topics:
• Mechanistic insights into the metabolic alterations in cancer cells and the TME
• Metabolic tumor microenvironment elements that influence oncogenesis
• Differential metabolic profiles of the cancer cells or immune cells in the TME during oncogenesis
• Molecules that reverse or target the metabolic reprogramming of cells
• The interplay between metabolic dysregulation and immune response
• Therapeutic strategies targeting the TME.
Significant progress has been made in understanding the tumor microenvironment (TME), but our knowledge of how metabolic reprogramming in tumor cells influences the TME, as well as how metabolic reprogramming of the TME in turn affects tumor cells, remains limited. Gaining insight into this interaction may provide opportunities for novel treatment strategies. This research topic aims to explore the various forms of metabolic reprogramming that occur within the TME and cancer cells, highlighting the complexity of these processes and their impact on oncogenesis and cancer progression. The focus will include mechanistic insights into metabolic reprogramming and therapeutic opportunities.
We welcome submissions of original research, review, mini-review and method articles that cover the following topics:
• Mechanistic insights into the metabolic alterations in cancer cells and the TME
• Metabolic tumor microenvironment elements that influence oncogenesis
• Differential metabolic profiles of the cancer cells or immune cells in the TME during oncogenesis
• Molecules that reverse or target the metabolic reprogramming of cells
• The interplay between metabolic dysregulation and immune response
• Therapeutic strategies targeting the TME.
Keywords: Cellular metabolism, Warburg Effect, Metabolic Reprogramming, Tumor Microenvironment, TME, Oncogenesis, Therapeutic Strategies
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
