Unraveling the Cancer Metabolism: Fasting Reset, Ketogenic Diet and Therapeutic Strategies

Abstract

Cancer cells harness a mechanism known as ketolysis to generate energy, a process that involves the enzymes SCOT and ACAT1, instrumental in the creation of a crucial molecule named acetyl-CoA. This molecule plays a vital role in cellular energy production. Interestingly, cancer cells are capable of alternative methods for generating acetyl-CoA, such as the incorporation of external acetate by an enzyme called acetyl-COA synthetase. Although restraining the function of SCOT and ACAT1 may decelerate cancerous growth, inhibiting acetyl-CoA synthetase which feeds the lipogenic pathways could potentially impede the tumor cells’ ability to produce necessary new membranes for their survival.