The Intersection of Purine and Mitochondrial Metabolism in Cancer

Nucleotides are essential to cell growth and survival, providing cells with building blocks for DNA and RNA, energy carriers, and cofactors. Mitochondria have a critical role in the production of intracellular ATP and participate in the generation of intermediates necessary for biosynthesis of macromolecules such as purines and pyrimidines. In this review, we highlight the role of purine and mitochondrial metabolism in cancer and how their intersection influences cancer progression, especially in ovarian cancer. Additionally, we address the importance of metabolic rewiring in cancer and how the evolving landscape of purine synthesis and mitochondria inhibitors can be potentially exploited for cancer treatment.

Automated summary

This review highlights the essential role of nucleotides in cell growth and survival, as well as the impact of purine and mitochondrial metabolism in cancer progression, particularly in ovarian cancer. It also addresses the importance of metabolic rewiring in cancer and the potential utilization of purine synthesis and mitochondrial inhibitors for cancer treatment in the evolving landscape.