Congratulations to the DeBerardinis Lab on their recent publication in Nature, titled “Mitochondrial Complex I Promotes Kidney Cancer Metastasis.” Their work provides critical insights into how kidney cancer spreads.
The researchers conducted a study using tumors from over 80 kidney cancer patients to uncover how cancer cells utilize nutrients differently to generate energy and fuel their growth. They discovered that clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), a common type of kidney cancer, exhibits unique patterns in nutrient processing.
The study revealed that ccRCC metastases show distinct metabolic behavior compared to primary tumors, indicating that the cancer adapts its metabolism during its spread. In laboratory mice, the researchers found that altering certain metabolic processes in cancer cells could influence their ability to metastasize. This suggests that targeting these metabolic changes might offer new approaches to treating kidney cancer.
This significant work highlights the dynamic nature of cancer metabolism and opens doors to potential new treatments. Kudos to the DeBerardinis Lab for this groundbreaking research that brings us closer to a better understanding of kidney cancer.
Follow the DeBerardinis lab on X at @RJDLab, and read the Nature article here.
