The tryptophan-kynurenine pathway in immunomodulation and cancer metastasis.

Cancer Med

Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.

Published: September 2023

AI Article Synopsis

Article Abstract

Introduction: The activation of the kynurenine pathway in cancer progression and metastasis through immunomodulatory pathways has drawn attention to the potential for kynurenine pathway inhibition. The activation of the kynurenine pathway, which results in the production of kynurenine metabolites through the degradation of tryptophan, promotes the development of intrinsically malignant properties in cancer cells while facilitating tumour immune escape. In addition, kynurenine metabolites act as biologically active substances to promote cancer development and metastasis.

Methods: A literature review was conducted to investigate the role of the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway in immunomodulation and cancer metastasis.

Results: Evidence suggests that several enzymes and metabolites implicated in the kynurenine pathway are overexpressed in various cancers. As such, the tryptophan pathway represents a promising target for cancer treatment. However, downstream signalling pathways, including aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation, have previously induced diverse biological effects in various malignancies, which resulted in either the promotion or the inhibition of metastasis.

Conclusion: As a result, a thorough investigation of the kynurenine pathway and its regulatory mechanisms is necessary in order to properly comprehend the effects of kynurenine pathway activation involved in cancer development and metastasis.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10557908PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cam4.6484DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

kynurenine pathway
24
tryptophan-kynurenine pathway
8
pathway immunomodulation
8
immunomodulation cancer
8
kynurenine
8
activation kynurenine
8
pathway
8
kynurenine metabolites
8
cancer development
8
cancer
7

Similar Publications

Interaction and regulation of the mitochondrial proteome - in health and disease.

Expert Rev Proteomics

January 2025

Research Unit for Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.

Introduction: Mitochondria contain multiple pathways including energy metabolism and several signaling and synthetic pathways. Mitochondrial proteomics is highly valuable for studying diseases including inherited metabolic disorders, complex and common disorders like neurodegeneration, diabetes, and cancer, since they all to some degree have mitochondrial underpinnings.

Areas Covered: The main mitochondrial functions and pathways are outlined, and systematic protein lists are presented.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Constitutive loss of kynurenine-3-monooxygenase changes circulating kynurenine metabolites without affecting systemic energy metabolism.

Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab

January 2025

Molecular and Cellular Exercise Physiology, Department of physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Kynurenic acid (KYNA) and quinolinic acid (QUIN) are metabolites of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan degradation with opposing biological activities in the central nervous system. In the periphery, KYNA is known to positively affect metabolic health, whereas the effects of QUIN remain less explored. Interestingly, metabolic stressors, including exercise and obesity, differentially change the balance between circulating KYNA and QUIN.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The Kynurenine pathway is crucial in metabolizing dietary tryptophan into bioactive compounds known as kynurenines, which have been linked to glucose homeostasis. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) has recently emerged as the endogenous receptor for the kynurenine metabolite, kynurenic acid (KYNA). However, the specific role of AhR in pancreatic β-cells remains largely unexplored.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Gut-derived lactic acid enhances tryptophan to 5-hydroxytryptamine in regulation of anxiety via .

Gut Microbes

December 2025

MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Lab of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in anxiety regulation through pathways involving neurotransmitter production, immune signaling, and metabolic interactions. Among these, gut-derived serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), synthesized from tryptophan metabolism, has been identified as a key mediator. However, it remains unclear whether specific microbial factors regulate tryptophan metabolism to influence 5-HT production and anxiety regulation.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: As the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) rises among older adults, the associated risks of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes significantly increase, and it is closely linked to various metabolic processes in the body. Dysregulation of tryptophan (TRP) metabolism, particularly alterations in the kynurenine (KYN) and serotonin pathways, has been linked to the onset of chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance, key contributors to the development of MetS. We aim to investigate the relationship between the TRP metabolites and the risk of MetS in older adults.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!