Role of AHR and HIF-1α in glioblastoma metabolism

G Gabriely, MA Wheeler, MC Takenaka… - Trends in Endocrinology …, 2017 - cell.com
G Gabriely, MA Wheeler, MC Takenaka, FJ Quintana
Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2017cell.com
Glioblastoma (GBM) progression is associated with metabolic remodeling in both glioma
and immune cells, resulting in the use of aerobic glycolysis as the main source of energy
and biosynthetic molecules. The transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α drives
this metabolic reorganization. Oxygen levels, as well as other factors, control the activity of
HIF-1α. In addition, the ligand-activated transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)
modulates tumor-specific immunity and can also participate in metabolic remodeling. AHR …
Glioblastoma (GBM) progression is associated with metabolic remodeling in both glioma and immune cells, resulting in the use of aerobic glycolysis as the main source of energy and biosynthetic molecules. The transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α drives this metabolic reorganization. Oxygen levels, as well as other factors, control the activity of HIF-1α. In addition, the ligand-activated transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) modulates tumor-specific immunity and can also participate in metabolic remodeling. AHR activity is regulated by tryptophan derivatives present in the tumor microenvironment. Thus, the tumor microenvironment and signaling via HIF-1α and AHR regulate the metabolism of gliomas and immune cells, modulating tumor-specific immunity and, consequently, tumor growth. Here, we review the roles of HIF-1α and AHR in cancer and immune cell metabolism in GBM.
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