A major component of tumor microenvironment is the secreted factors arising from infiltrating immune cells, stroma and cancer cells itself, which shapes the overall trajectory of the disease.
Transcriptomic analysis has identified cMyc upregulation upon treatment with IL4 or IL13. In agreement with cMyc roles in influencing tumor metabolism, targeted metabolomic analysis has shown an increase in glycolysis upon treatment with IL4 or IL13.
Consistence with an increase in glycolysis upon IL4 or IL13 treatment, there is an increase in expression of glycolytic enzymes (Hexokinase II, lactate dehydrogenase and pyruvate dehydrogenase).
This data is especially intriguing because prior in vitro studies failed to capture the dependence of cancer cells on glycolysis, probably because of the absence of these vital cytokines in vitro culture media forcing the cancer cells to utilize glutamine as carbon source.
The goal of this project is to investigate the role of IL4 and/or IL13 in driving an alternative metabolic circuit, especially the acceleration of glycolytic pathways.
We will determine whether cMyc mediated metabolic shift is essential for cancer cell survival. We will use biochemical and metabolic techniques to understand whether cMyc increases the glucose consumption which contributes to cancer cell biomass leading to aggressive tumor growth.
Contact the Dey Lab
Email: Prasenjit.Dey@RoswellPark.org
Phone: 716-845-1300, x5269
Office location: Center for Genetics & Pharmacology (CGP) L5-307
Lab Location: Center for Genetics & Pharmacology (CGP) L15-115
Department of Immunology
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
Elm and Carlton Streets
Buffalo, NY 14263