How Does the Tumor Microenvironment Affect Metabolism?
The tumor microenvironment significantly impacts cancer metabolism. Factors such as hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, and interactions with stromal cells can alter the metabolic pathways in cancer cells. For instance, hypoxia (low oxygen levels) can further enhance the Warburg effect and stimulate the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway, leading to increased glucose uptake and lactate production. The tumor microenvironment also influences the availability of nutrients like glucose and amino acids, thereby affecting metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells.
