Molecular Mechanisms for Ketone Body Metabolism, Signaling Functions, and Therapeutic Potential in Cancer

• Published in: Nutrients 2022-11, Vol.14 (22), p.4932
• Main Authors: Hwang, Chi Yeon, Choe, Wonchae, Yoon, Kyung-Sik, Ha, Joohun, Kim, Sung Soo, Yeo, Eui-Ju, Kang, Insug
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid; Alternative energy; Alternative energy sources; Cancer; Cardiomyocytes; Cardiovascular diseases; Cell proliferation; CoA transferase; Deprivation; Diabetes; Diet; Diet, Ketogenic; Electron transport; Electron transport chain; Enzymes; Fatty acids; G protein-coupled receptors; G proteins; Gene expression; Genes; Glucagon; Glucose; Health aspects; Humans; Inflammation; Ketogenesis; ketogenic diet; ketone bodies; Ketone Bodies - metabolism; Ketones; Kinases; Liver cancer; Metabolism; Mitochondria; Molecular modelling; Neoplasms - drug therapy; Nutrient sources; Oxidation; Oxidative stress; Phosphorylation; Physiological aspects; Physiology; Post-translation; post-translational modifications; Protein binding; Protein expression; Proteins; Review; Signal Transduction; Succinyl-CoA; Tricarboxylic acid cycle; Tumorigenesis; β-hydroxybutyrate
• ISSN: 2072-6643; 2072-6643
• DOI: 10.3390/nu14224932

The ketone bodies (KBs) β-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate are important alternative energy sources for glucose during nutrient deprivation. KBs synthesized by hepatic ketogenesis are catabolized to acetyl-CoA through ketolysis in extrahepatic tissues, followed by the tricarboxylic acid cycle and electron transport chain for ATP production. Ketogenesis and ketolysis are regulated by the key rate-limiting enzymes, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 2 and succinyl-CoA:3-oxoacid-CoA transferase, respectively. KBs participate in various cellular processes as signaling molecules. KBs bind to G protein-coupled receptors. The most abundant KB, β-hydroxybutyrate, regulates gene expression and other cellular functions by inducing post-translational modifications. KBs protect tissues by regulating inflammation and oxidative stress. Recently, interest in KBs has been increasing due to their potential for treatment of various diseases such as neurological and cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Cancer cells reprogram their metabolism to maintain rapid cell growth and proliferation. Dysregulation of KB metabolism also plays a role in tumorigenesis in various types of cancer. Targeting metabolic changes through dietary interventions, including fasting and ketogenic diets, has shown beneficial effects in cancer therapy. Here, we review current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of KB metabolism and cellular signaling functions, and the therapeutic potential of KBs and ketogenic diets in cancer.