Causes and consequences of increased glucose metabolism of cancers.
In this review we examine the mechanisms (causes) underlying the increased glucose consumption observed in tumors within a teleological context (consequences). In other words, we will ask not only "How do cancers have high glycolysis?" but also, "Why?" We believe that the insights gained from answering the latter question support the conclusion that elevated glucose consumption is a necessary component of carcinogenesis. Specifically we propose that glycolysis is elevated because it produces acid, which provides an evolutionary advantage to cancer cells vis-à-vis normal parenchyma into which they invade.
University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA. robert.gillies@moffitt.org
Robert J
RJ
Gillies
Ian
I
Robey
Robert A
RA
Gatenby
D015687:Cell Hypoxia; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D005260:Female; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D005716:Game Theory; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D006019:Glycolysis; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000266:history / Q000378:metabolism*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000378:metabolism; D009857:Oncogenes / Q000502:physiology; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals
D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D005947:Glucose