Metabolic Shift in Liver Cancer: How PDHX Acetylation Drives Tumor Growth
Chinese Academy of SciencesA recent study has unveiled a new mechanism driving hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression through the acetylation of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) component X (PDHX), a critical component of the PDC. This modification disrupts PDC assembly, inhibits its function, and shifts metabolism towards aerobic glycolysis, promoting tumor growth. The findings highlight PDHX acetylation as both a potential biomarker and therapeutic target, offering new possibilities for liver cancer treatment and advancing our understanding of cancer cell metabolism.