METABOLOME

The metabolome—the complete set of small-molecule metabolites within a cell, tissue, or organism—plays a central and dynamic role in cancer biology. Unlike the genome or proteome, which reflect potential or structural information, the metabolome offers a real-time snapshot of cellular activity, capturing the biochemical consequences of genetic alterations, environmental influences, and disease states.

In cancer, malignant cells undergo profound metabolic reprogramming to meet their increased demands for energy, biomass production, and redox balance. This altered metabolic state, often referred to as the "Warburg effect" or aerobic glycolysis, is just one example of how tumors rewire metabolic pathways. Beyond glucose metabolism, cancer cells also exploit amino acid metabolism (e.g., glutamine anaplerosis), lipid biosynthesis, and nucleotide synthesis to support uncontrolled proliferation and survival in hostile microenvironments.

Importantly, the metabolome is not just a passive reflection of tumor biology—it can actively drive oncogenesis and resistance to therapy. Oncometabolites such as 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG) can alter epigenetic landscapes, while lactate accumulation in the tumor microenvironment can suppress immune responses and facilitate metastasis.

Studying the metabolome offers critical insights into tumor heterogeneity, therapeutic vulnerabilities, and mechanisms of resistance. It also holds promise for biomarker discovery, enabling early diagnosis, risk stratification, and real-time monitoring of treatment response. As such, metabolomics represents a powerful frontier in precision oncology, providing actionable information that complements genomic and proteomic data to better understand, diagnose, and treat cancer.