Targeting the metabolism of cancer stem cells by energy disruptor molecules

Tahere Dadgar; Nasim Ebrahimi; Amir Reza Gholipour; Maryam Akbari; Leila Khani; Amirhossein Ahmadi; Michael R Hamblin

doi:10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103545

Targeting the metabolism of cancer stem cells by energy disruptor molecules

Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2022 Jan:169:103545. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103545. Epub 2021 Nov 24.

Authors

Tahere Dadgar¹, Nasim Ebrahimi², Amir Reza Gholipour³, Maryam Akbari⁴, Leila Khani⁵, Amirhossein Ahmadi⁶, Michael R Hamblin⁷

Affiliations

¹ Department of Biology, Neyshabur Branch, Islamic Azad University, Neyshabur, Iran.
² Division of Genetics, Department of Cell and Molecular & Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
³ Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
⁴ Department of Immunology, Asthma and Allergy Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
⁵ Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
⁶ Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Nano and Bio Science and Technology, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, 75169, Iran. Electronic address: ahahmadi@pgu.ac.ir.
⁷ Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa. Electronic address: labhamblin@gmail.com.

PMID: 34838705
DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103545

Abstract

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified in various tumor types. CSCs are believed to contribute to tumor metastasis and resistance to conventional therapy. So targeting these cells could be an effective strategy to eliminate tumors and a promising new type of cancer treatment. Alterations in metabolism play an essential role in CSC biology and their resistance to treatment. The metabolic properties pathways in CSCs are different from normal cells, and to some extent, are different from regular tumor cells. Interestingly, CSCs can use other nutrients for their metabolism and growth. The different metabolism causes increased sensitivity of CSCs to agents that disrupt cellular homeostasis. Compounds that interfere with the central metabolic pathways are known as energy disruptors and can reduce CSC survival. This review highlights the differences between regular cancer cells and CSC metabolism and discusses the action mechanisms of energy disruptors at the cellular and molecular levels.

Keywords: Cancer; Cancer stem cells; Energy disruptors; Metabolism.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Humans
Metabolic Networks and Pathways
Neoplasms*
Neoplastic Stem Cells*