Glucose-independent glutamine metabolism via TCA cycling for proliferation and survival in b cells

Anne Le, Andrew N. Lane, Max Hamaker, Sminu Bose, Arvin Gouw, Joseph Barbi, Takashi Tsukamoto, Camilio J. Rojas, Barbara S. Slusher, Haixia Zhang, Lisa J. Zimmerman, Daniel C. Liebler, Robbert J.C. Slebos, Pawel K. Lorkiewicz, Richard M. Higashi, Teresa W.M. Fan, Chi V. Dang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

636 Scopus citations

Abstract

Because MYC plays a causal role in many human cancers, including those with hypoxic and nutrient-poor tumor microenvironments, we have determined the metabolic responses of a MYC-inducible human Burkitt lymphoma model P493 cell line to aerobic and hypoxic conditions, and to glucose deprivation, using stable isotope-resolved metabolomics. Using [U- 13C]-glucose as the tracer, both glucose consumption and lactate production were increased by MYC expression and hypoxia. Using [U- 13C, 15N]-glutamine as the tracer, glutamine import and metabolism through the TCA cycle persisted under hypoxia, and glutamine contributed significantly to citrate carbons. Under glucose deprivation, glutamine-derived fumarate, malate, and citrate were significantly increased. Their 13C-labeling patterns demonstrate an alternative energy-generating glutaminolysis pathway involving a glucose-independent TCA cycle. The essential role of glutamine metabolism in cell survival and proliferation under hypoxia and glucose deficiency makes them susceptible to the glutaminase inhibitor BPTES and hence could be targeted for cancer therapy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)110-121
Number of pages12
JournalCell Metabolism
Volume15
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 4 2012

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

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