The function and mechanism of lactic acid in tumor microenvironment
1Zhao Ming,1Zhang Yajuan,2Yang Weiwei
1Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology Chinese Academy of Sciences
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 200031 China
2Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province
School of Life Science Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou 310024 Zhejiang
China
Abstract：Metabolic reprogramming is a major hallmark of tumor cells. It is vital for tumor tumorigenesis growth metastasis and
survival in adverse condition. Tumor cells abundantly produce lactic acid via aerobic glycolysis and released to extracellular
microenvironment. This causes lactic acid to accumulate in the tumor microenvironment and makes it in low pH value. Recent studies
revealed that lactic acid can not only be utilized as energy resources by tumor cells but also play regulated roles in tumor cells
immune cells and stroma cells. In general lactic acid plays different roles in different components of tumor microenvironment. On the
one hand lactic acid directly enhances the survival proliferation or migration of tumor cells by mediating metabolic reprogramming
signal transduction or epigenetic modification. On the other hand lactic acid promotes tumor formation growth or metastasis indirectly
by mediating angiogenesis or immune escape. In addition lactic acid - related metabolic enzymes transporters and its downstream
targets significantly correlates with tumor progression which have the potential to be targeted drugs in cancer therapy. This review
summarizes the recent advances in the function and mechanism of lactic acid in tumor microenvironment and discusses the future
research orientation and its prospect as tumour therapeutic targets.
1赵 明,1张亚娟,2杨巍维. 肿瘤微环境中乳酸的功能及作用机制[J]. 肿瘤代谢与营养电子杂志, 2023, 10(5): 601-608.
1Zhao Ming,1Zhang Yajuan,2Yang Weiwei. The function and mechanism of lactic acid in tumor microenvironment. Electron J Metab Nutr Cancer, 2023, 10(5): 601-608.
