Glucose catabolism in the rabbit VX2 tumor model for liver cancer: Characterization and targeting hexokinase

Young Hee Ko, Peter L. Pedersen, J. F. Geschwind

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

271 Scopus citations

Abstract

The rabbit VX2 tumor when implanted in the liver has proven convenient as a model for studying hepatocellular carcinomas. However, its metabolic properties have not been well studied. Significantly, studies described here show that the VX2 tumor exhibits a high glycolytic/high hexokinase phenotype that is retained following implantation and growth in rabbit liver. In addition, results of a limited screen show that the glycolytic rate is inhibited best by 2-deoxyglucose (2DOG) and 3-bromopyruvate (3BrPA), the former compound of which is phosphorylated by hexokinase but not further metabolized, while the latter directly inhibits hexokinase. Finally, when tested on hepatoma cells in culture both inhibitors facilitated cell death. These studies underscore the usefulness of the VX2 tumor model for the study of advanced liver cancer and for selecting anti-hepatoma agents.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)83-91
Number of pages9
JournalCancer Letters
Volume173
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 8 2001
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • 2-Deoxy Glucose
  • 3-Bromo Pyruvate
  • Drug targeting
  • Hexokinase
  • Liver cancer
  • Tumor metabolism

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Glucose catabolism in the rabbit VX2 tumor model for liver cancer: Characterization and targeting hexokinase'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this