'Sugarcoating' 2-deoxyglucose: mechanisms that suppress its toxic effects

Yeast and cancer cells are metabolically similar as they use fermentation of glucose as a primary means of generating energy. Reliance on glucose fermentation makes both of these cell types highly sensitive to the toxic glucose analog, 2-deoxyglucose. Here we review the cellular and metabolic pathways that play a role in 2-deoxyglucose sensitivity and discuss how the modifications to these pathways result in acquisition of 2-deoxyglucose resistance. Insights gained from genetic and proteomic studies in yeast provide new ideas for the design of combinatorial therapies for cancer treatment.

Automated summary

Yeast and cancer cells rely on glucose fermentation for energy generation, making them sensitive to the toxic glucose analog, 2-deoxyglucose. Understanding the pathways involved in 2-deoxyglucose sensitivity and resistance in these cells can provide insights for designing combinatorial therapies for cancer treatment. Genetic and proteomic studies in yeast have offered new ideas for developing effective treatment strategies.