Transketolase-like 1 expression is modulated during colorectal cancer progression and metastasis formation.

Background: Transketolase-like 1 (TKTL1) induces glucose degradation through anaerobic pathways, even in presence of oxygen, favoring the malignant aerobic glycolytic phenotype characteristic of tumor cells. As TKTL1 appears to be a valid biomarker for cancer prognosis, the aim of the current study was to correlate its expression with tumor stage, probability of tumor recurrence and survival, in a series of colorectal cancer patients. METHODOLODY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Tumor tissues from 63 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer at different stages of progression were analyzed for TKTL1 by immunohistochemistry.

Metabolic network adaptations in cancer as targets for novel therapies.

Metabolite concentrations and fluxes are the system variables that characterize metabolism. The systematic study of metabolite profiles is known as metabolomics; however, knowledge of the complete set of metabolites may not be enough to predict distinct phenotypes. A complete understanding of metabolic processes requires detailed knowledge of enzyme-controlled intracellular fluxes.

Bistability of mitochondrial respiration underlies paradoxical reactive oxygen species generation induced by anoxia.

Increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mitochondria underlies major systemic diseases, and this clinical problem stimulates a great scientific interest in the mechanism of ROS generation. However, the mechanism of hypoxia-induced change in ROS production is not fully understood. To mathematically analyze this mechanism in details, taking into consideration all the possible redox states formed in the process of electron transport, even for respiratory complex III, a system of hundreds of differential equations must be constructed.