Glycogen is known as a carbohydrate energy storage molecule for cells.
Its presence was first described in the nucleus in the 1890s, but no functional role had been described for nuclear glycogen—unlike glycogen stored by the liver or muscle tissue, which is used as a form of energy in various parts of the body.
In a recent study from the University of Kentucky, researchers have solved a 100-year-old scientific mystery of lung cancer. They have found the role of glycogen in non-small cell lung cancers.
The finding may help develop new treatments of the disease.
The study is published in Cell Metabolism. The lead author of the study is Ramon Sun, Ph.D.
In the study, the team focused on the function of glycogen accumulation in the nucleus of a cell.
While nuclear glycogen accumulation has been reported in multiple cancers, this study demonstrates that glycogen is synthesized and broken down in the nucleus, that nuclear breakdown provides the fuel for histone modifications, and that these modifications allow cells to become cancerous.
The researchers developed a novel nuclear-specific tracer technology coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry to trace nuclear glycogen metabolism.
They discovered that non-small cell lung cancers accumulate nuclear glycogen during the formation of tumors.
The disease suppresses nuclear glycogen breakdown by decreasing the amount of a key signaling molecule called malin to drive cancer progression.
The team then identified the key signaling events that regulate this newly described cellular process and demonstrated its importance in pre-clinical lung cancer models.
The team says the study provides important insights into the foundation of cell metabolism, epigenetics and cancer biology.
In addition, the work reveals possible ways to develop future treatment of lung cancers.
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