A pioneering study by researchers from Singapore and the UK has unearthed a newfound mechanism shedding light on the correlation between diet, metabolism, and cancer susceptibility. Through innovative experiments involving mouse models, human tissue, and lab-grown breast organoids, the team discovered how alterations in glucose metabolism could spur cancer growth by transiently deactivating the tumor-suppressing gene BRCA2.
Lead author Li Ren Kong, a cancer pharmacologist from the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (CSI Singapore), underscores the significance of these findings, emphasizing the pivotal role of diet and weight management in mitigating cancer risks.
Initially delving into familial cancer susceptibility, the researchers stumbled upon a deeper connection between energy consumption pathways and cancer initiation, challenging the conventional ‘two-hit’ model proposed by Knudson in 1971.
Further investigations revealed that cells with a mutated BRCA2 gene exhibited heightened sensitivity to methylglyoxal (MGO), a byproduct of glucose breakdown associated with conditions like diabetes, which can impair DNA and protein function, potentially paving the way for cancer development.
The study also elucidated the intricate relationship between glucose metabolism, MGO levels, and BRCA2 function, suggesting that disruptions in glucose metabolism could compromise BRCA2 activity, thereby fueling cancer progression.
While these breakthroughs provide valuable insights into cancer pathogenesis, the researchers advocate for expanded studies encompassing larger clinical cohorts and animal models to unravel the complex interplay between dietary factors, metabolic disorders, and cancer susceptibility.
The identification of MGO’s role in transiently incapacitating BRCA2 function offers promising avenues for cancer prevention and early detection strategies. Oncologist and cancer researcher Venkitaraman from CSI Singapore proposes the use of HbA1C blood tests as indicators for MGO levels, enabling proactive measures against cancer initiation.
Published in Cell, this groundbreaking research signifies a significant stride towards comprehending and addressing the intricate nexus between metabolism and cancer development.
