Researchers at Duke University identified ALDH4A1, a metabolic enzyme that plays a critical role in cellular energy production and cancer suppression.
Key points:
ALDH4A1 stabilizes a protein complex that imports pyruvate into mitochondria, fueling healthy cell function.
Loss of ALDH4A1 leads to the Warburg effect, where cancer cells rely on inefficient glycolysis.
Tumors often show reduced ALDH4A1, and restoring its activity slows tumor growth.
The study suggests ALDH4A1 could be a therapeutic target to cut off energy supply to cancer cells while preserving normal ones.
Researchers at Duke University identified ALDH4A1, a metabolic enzyme that plays a critical role in cellular energy production and cancer suppression.
Key points:
ALDH4A1 stabilizes a protein complex that imports pyruvate into mitochondria, fueling healthy cell function.
Loss of ALDH4A1 leads to the Warburg effect, where cancer cells rely on inefficient glycolysis.
Tumors often show reduced ALDH4A1, and restoring its activity slows tumor growth.
The study suggests ALDH4A1 could be a therapeutic target to cut off energy supply to cancer cells while preserving normal ones.
