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oncometabolite
Pronunciation: on-koh-meh-TAB-oh-lahyt
Abnormal metabolite that accumulates in cancer cells and promotes tumorigenesis.
Full Definition
Oncometabolites are abnormal metabolic products that accumulate in certain cancers due to specific enzyme mutations and contribute to tumor development and progression. The most well-characterized examples include 2-hydroxyglutarate (produced by mutant IDH enzymes), succinate (from succinate dehydrogenase mutations), and fumarate (from fumarate hydratase mutations). These metabolites can act as competitive inhibitors of α-ketoglutarate-dependent enzymes, leading to epigenetic changes, altered cell differentiation, and enhanced tumor cell survival.
Usage
Usage note: Relatively new term in cancer metabolism research.
In Context
- "2-hydroxyglutarate levels indicated the presence of oncometabolite accumulation." — Metabolomic analysis
- "Targeting oncometabolite production represents a novel therapeutic approach." — Drug development strategy
Also known as
tumor metabolite
Contrasted with
normal metabolite
Don't confuse with
metabolite biomarker
tumor marker