MicroRNAs as regulators of tumor metabolism

Cancer cells reprogram their metabolism to support their growth. Since the discovery of the Warburg effect, several other metabolic alterations and metabolites have been described in cancer cells, including lactate, glutamine, and lipid metabolism reprogramming. Together these alterations provide rapidly dividing tumor cells with metabolic intermediates needed for nucleotide, protein, and fatty acid biosynthesis. MicroRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs involved in the regulation of virtually all biological pathways. Altered microRNA expression patterns are associated with the onset and development of several diseases, including cancer. Tumor suppressor microRNAs targeting molecules involved in tumor metabolism are frequently downregulated in cancers. Therefore, microRNAs can serve as potential tumor biomarkers and also represent interesting therapeutic targets. This review summarizes recent findings about microRNAs involved in the regulation of tumor metabolism.

Automated summary

Cancer cells reprogram their metabolism to support growth, including alterations in lactate, glutamine, and lipid metabolism. MicroRNAs, a class of non-coding RNAs, play important roles in regulating biological pathways and their altered expression has been linked to various diseases, including cancer. Tumor suppressor microRNAs involved in tumor metabolism are frequently downregulated and can serve as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. This review summarizes recent findings on the role of microRNAs in regulating tumor metabolism.