13C-pyruvate imaging reveals alterations in glycolysis that precede c-Myc-induced tumor formation and regression

Cell Metab. 2011 Jul 6;14(1):131-42. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2011.04.012.

Abstract

Tumor cells have an altered metabolic phenotype characterized by increased glycolysis and diminished oxidative phosphorylation. Despite the suspected importance of glycolysis in tumorigenesis, the temporal relationship between oncogene signaling, in vivo tumor formation, and glycolytic pathway activity is poorly understood. Moreover, how glycolytic pathways are altered as tumors regress remains unknown. Here, we use a switchable model of Myc-driven liver cancer, along with hyperpolarized (13)C-pyruvate magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) to visualize glycolysis in de novo tumor formation and regression. LDHA abundance and activity in tumors is tightly correlated to in vivo pyruvate conversion to lactate and is rapidly inhibited as tumors begin to regress, as are numerous glycolysis pathway genes. Conversion of pyruvate to alanine predominates in precancerous tissues prior to observable morphologic or histological changes. These results demonstrate that metabolic changes precede tumor formation and regression and are directly linked to the activity of a single oncogene.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alanine / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Carbon Isotopes / chemistry
  • Citric Acid Cycle / genetics
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Glycolysis / genetics
  • L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / metabolism
  • Liver Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / metabolism*
  • Pyruvic Acid / chemistry
  • Pyruvic Acid / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Carbon Isotopes
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc
  • Pyruvic Acid
  • L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
  • Alanine

Associated data

  • GEO/GSE28198