Glucose Metabolism: The Metabolic Signature of Tumor Associated Macrophage

Abstract

Macrophages exist in most tissues of the body, where they perform various functions at the same time equilibrating with other cells to maintain immune responses in numerous diseases including cancer. Recently, emerging investigations revealed that metabolism profiles control macrophage phenotypes and functions, and in turn, polarization can trigger metabolic shifts in macrophages. Those findings implicate a special role of metabolism in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) because of the sophisticated microenvironment in cancer. Glucose is the major energy source of cells, especially for TAMs. However, the complicated association between TAMs and their glucose metabolism is still unclearly illustrated. Here, we review the recent advances in macrophage and glucose metabolism within the tumor microenvironment, and the significant transformations that occur in TAMs during the tumor progression. Additionally, we have also outlined the potential implications for macrophage-based therapies in cancer targeting TAMs.

Keywords: cancer; glucose metabolism; macrophage; polarization; therapy.

Figure 1

Glucose metabolism basis macrophage-targeted therapy for cancer. (A) Overview of promising cancer therapy based on glucose metabolism characteristic in tumor-associated macrophage. 2-DG, 2-deoxyglucose. (B) Specific presentation of OXPHOS (oxidative phosphorylation) inhibitors involved mitochondrial complex I, II, III, IV, V. CAI, carboxyamidotriazole; MPTP, 1-methyl 4-phenyl 1,2,3,6 tetrahydropyridine; mIBG2, meta-iodobenzylguanidine; aTOS, a-tocopheryl succinate; NO, nitric oxide; CO, carbon monoxide.