JRPMS Vol 3, No 1, March 2019, p.17-25
doi: 10.22540/JRPMS-03-017
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Review Article
Signaling pathways that overactivate metabolism and drive neoplasia, in rhabdomyosarcoma
Christos P. Tselios1,2, George I. Lambrou1,2,3
- Laboratory for Research of the Musculoskeletal System “Th. Garofalidis”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens KAT, Greece
- Postgraduate Program “Metabolic Bones Diseases”, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
- First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Choremeio Research Laboratory, Goudi, Athens, Greece
Keywords: Signaling, Pathway, Metabolism, Neoplasia, Rhabdomyosarcoma
Abstract
The functional status of a cell is expressed in its metabolic activity. Cancer cells differ from normal cells through unlimited cell division, and show a greater need for energy for their rapid growth and duplication. Thus, cancerassociated metabolic alterations, i.e. metabolic over-activation through signaling pathways alterations, have emerged as a cancer hallmark. Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a myogenic tumor classified as the most frequent soft tissue sarcoma affecting children, adolescents and adults. Signaling pathway alterations present in this cancer can be related to increased metabolic activity and drive neoplasia. In this review first of all, we would like to enlighten cancer and particular RMS metabolism. Further, we aim to summarize several pathways related to oncogenic drivers affecting metabolism of RMS cells in order to simulate them (in other studies) with a system biology approach. The understanding of the common mechanisms that transform physiological cells to malignant may reveal novel therapeutic targets and strategies that may improve the currently poor outcome for patients with RMS.