Cited by 2Cancer, Hypoxia, and MetabolismMetabolism, Diabetes, and CancerCancer and biochemical research

Energy stress and adaptation strategy of tumor cells in different microenvironments: from primary tumors to distant metastases

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Xu, Mingzhe, Fei, Junjie, Xiao, Zhi-Xiong, Yi, Yong·2026·Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica

Abstract

Since the Warburg effect was first described in the 1920s, tumor energy metabolism has been a central focus of cancer research, emerging as a potential therapeutic target. The tumor microenvironment-including blood vessels, immune cells, stromal components, and other cell types-profoundly influences tumor cell metabolism. Variations in energy supply, oxygen availability, nutrient composition, and the accumulation of metabolic waste across different microenvironments challenge tumor cell survival and progression. In response, tumor cells adapt through flexible regulation and reprogramming of metabolic pathways. Although recent studies have explored metabolic adaptation mechanisms in various tumor microenvironments, the full spectrum from primary tumors to distant metastases remains unexplored. This review summarizes energy stress and adaptation maneuvers in tumor cells across different stages of tumor progression and offers a new perspective for comprehensive research to explore therapeutic strategies targeting tumor metabolism.

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  1. [27]Huang Q, Hu X, He W, Zhao Y, Hao S, Wu Q, Li S, Zhang S, and Shi M, Fluid shear stress and tumor metastasis. Am J Cancer Res 2018, 8: 763–777 PMC5992512 29888101
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Authors
Xu, M., Fei, J., Xiao, Z.-X., & Yi, Y.
Affiliations
Sichuan University (CN)
Corresponding author
Yi, Yong
Venue
Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica
Published
2025-07-04
Volume
58
Issue
2
Pages
201-215
ISSN
1672-9145 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4411989503
Cited by
2
References
162
Citations by year
2026: 2
FWCI
0.21
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (82073248)
  • Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province (2023NSFSC1859)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cancer Research › Cancer, Hypoxia, and Metabolism
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Metabolism, Diabetes, and Cancer
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Cancer and biochemical research
Keywords
tumor energy metabolism, Warburg effect, tumor microenvironment, metabolic reprogramming, energy stress, tumor progression, metastasis, primary tumor, tumor cell adaptation, metabolic therapy
MeSH terms
Adaptation, Physiological, Animals, Energy Metabolism, Humans, Neoplasm Metastasis, Neoplasms, Stress, Physiological, Tumor Microenvironment

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