Researchers at the University of Lausanne have identified a critical vulnerability in cancer cells related to vitamin B7 (biotin), which acts as a metabolic “license” for tumor growth. The study, led by Dr. Miriam Lisci under the direction of Prof. Alexis Jourdain, reveals that cancer cells often exhibit glutamine addiction, relying heavily on this amino acid for survival. However, when deprived of biotin, the mitochondrial enzyme pyruvate carboxylase becomes inactive, halting cell growth and revealing a potential therapeutic target.

The significance of this finding lies in its implications for cancer treatment. The research demonstrates that biotin is essential for cancer cells to utilize pyruvate as an alternative energy source in the absence of glutamine. This metabolic flexibility allows many tumors to evade therapies aimed at glutamine deprivation. Furthermore, the study highlights the role of mutations in the FBXW7 gene, which can exacerbate glutamine dependency, presenting an opportunity for targeted interventions in specific cancer types.

The takeaway from this research is the potential for developing novel therapeutic strategies that exploit the metabolic vulnerabilities of cancer cells. By targeting both the glutamine and pyruvate metabolic pathways, researchers can design more effective treatments that circumvent the adaptive mechanisms employed by tumors. This multi-target approach could significantly enhance the efficacy of existing therapies and pave the way for innovative treatments in oncology, particularly for cancers exhibiting FBXW7 mutations.

Source: sciencedaily.com