Choline metabolism in malignant transformation

Abstract

Abnormal choline metabolism is emerging as a metabolic hallmark that is associated with oncogenesis and tumour progression. Following transformation, the modulation of enzymes that control anabolic and catabolic pathways causes increased levels of choline-containing precursors and breakdown products of membrane phospholipids. These increased levels are associated with proliferation, and recent studies emphasize the complex reciprocal interactions between oncogenic signalling and choline metabolism. Because choline-containing compounds are detected by non-invasive magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), increased levels of these compounds provide a non-invasive biomarker of transformation, staging and response to therapy. Furthermore, enzymes of choline metabolism, such as choline kinase, present novel targets for image-guided cancer therapy.

Metabolic effects of Hedyotis diffusa on rats bearing Walker 256 tumor revealed by NMR‐based metabolomics

“…M = model group; C = control group; H = Hedyotis diffusa-treated group of a diverse range of cancers because of their significant role in phospholipid metabolism of cell membranes. [30,31] Another report that happened to coincide with our results is that choline metabolism relates to deregulated membrane phospholipid homeostasis during malignant transformation. [32] It is speculated that the elevation of choline and its derivatives may be resulted from accelerated cell proliferation.…”

The effect of neurosphere culture conditions on the cellular metabolism of glioma cells

“…Moreover, dysregulated choline metabolism has already been proposed as an underlying molecular event during cancerous malformation in a variety of cancers [7], including GBM [2]. Interestingly, we found that U87 glioma neurospheres exhibit a reduced PC/GPC ratio, although it is not statistically significant.…”

EDI3 links choline metabolism to integrin expression, cell adhesion and spreading

“…Choline metabolism has been intensively discussed in relation to several diseases, including neurological disorders, 3 liver disease, 4,5 and tumor progression. [6][7][8][9][10] With respect to the latter, recent studies have suggested that elevated choline metabolism, including increased phosphocholine (PC) levels, is associated with worse prognosis. 9,[11][12][13] However, the mechanism of how higher PC levels contribute to cancer progression is not fully understood.…”

“…[6][7][8][9][10] With respect to the latter, recent studies have suggested that elevated choline metabolism, including increased phosphocholine (PC) levels, is associated with worse prognosis. 9,[11][12][13] However, the mechanism of how higher PC levels contribute to cancer progression is not fully understood.…”