Stable isotope tracing has several important applications in cancer research:
1. Metabolic Pathway Analysis: Researchers can dissect the metabolic pathways that are upregulated in cancer cells, identifying key nodes and potential drug targets. 2. Drug Mechanism of Action: By tracing how drugs alter metabolic pathways, scientists can better understand their mechanisms of action and improve their efficacy. 3. Biomarker Discovery: Identifying specific metabolic alterations in cancer can lead to the discovery of biomarkers for early detection and prognosis. 4. Metabolic Vulnerabilities: Understanding the unique metabolic dependencies of cancer cells can reveal vulnerabilities that can be exploited for therapy.
