Project Abstract

This project aims to unravel the complex metabolic adaptations of tumor cells in response to nutrient deprivation, a common feature of the tumor microenvironment. Understanding the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells under nutrient-limited conditions is crucial for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies and the identification of potential metabolic vulnerabilities. Cancer cells exhibit a distinct metabolic phenotype, often characterized by increased glycolysis and the diversion of metabolic intermediates to support rapid proliferation, even in the presence of oxygen (the Warburg effect). However, the tumor microenvironment is frequently plagued by fluctuations in nutrient availability, exposing cancer cells to periods of nutrient deprivation. How tumor cells adapt their metabolism to overcome these nutrient-limiting challenges is not fully understood. This project will employ a comprehensive metabolomics approach to profile the dynamic changes in the metabolic landscape of tumor cells under nutrient deprivation conditions. By utilizing advanced analytical techniques, such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, the study will systematically map the alterations in central carbon metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and other key metabolic pathways. The goal is to elucidate the metabolic reprogramming strategies employed by tumor cells to maintain cellular homeostasis, ensure energy production, and sustain proliferation in the face of nutrient scarcity. Furthermore, the project will investigate the potential cross-talk between metabolic adaptations and signaling cascades that govern cellular stress responses. By integrating metabolomic data with transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, the study will provide a holistic understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the metabolic plasticity of tumor cells under nutrient-deprived conditions. The findings from this project will have far-reaching implications in the field of cancer biology and therapeutics. Identifying the specific metabolic alterations and vulnerabilities of tumor cells in nutrient-limited environments could inform the development of novel therapeutic interventions targeting these metabolic dependencies. Additionally, the insights gained may lead to the discovery of metabolic biomarkers that could aid in early cancer detection, disease monitoring, and the prediction of therapeutic responses. Moreover, the metabolic profiling of tumor cells under nutrient deprivation conditions may uncover broader insights into the adaptive capabilities of cancer cells. Understanding how tumor cells overcome nutrient limitations could shed light on their ability to thrive in diverse and challenging microenvironments, a key characteristic that contributes to their aggressiveness and therapeutic resistance. In conclusion, this project represents a crucial step in advancing our understanding of the metabolic reprogramming strategies employed by tumor cells under nutrient-deprived conditions. By elucidating these metabolic adaptations, the study aims to pave the way for the development of more effective and targeted cancer therapies that exploit the metabolic vulnerabilities of tumor cells, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Project Overview