Scientists Discover Lactate Transport Mechanism and Potential Cancer Therapy

Researchers in China have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how cancer cells utilize lactate, a crucial metabolic fuel. They have identified the mechanism by which lactate is transported, offering a new target for cancer treatment. This discovery has led to the identification of a natural compound that can disrupt this process and potentially suppress liver cancer growth.

Cancer cells generate lactate regardless of oxygen levels. This lactate not only provides energy for tumor growth but also weakens the immune system's ability to fight the cancer. The transport of lactate is facilitated by a protein called monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1). This transporter is responsible for moving lactate out of cancer cells, helping to maintain the cell's internal pH balance and providing energy to surrounding tumor cells.

A research team, led by Professor Ye Sheng at Tianjin University, investigated the transport mechanism of MCT1. They discovered that specific amino acid interactions are critical for MCT1's efficient lactate transport. Based on this understanding, the researchers identified silybin, a compound found in traditional Chinese medicine, as an MCT1 blocker.

Silybin works by binding to the transporter's substrate pocket, effectively disrupting MCT1's function. This disruption leads to a toxic buildup of lactate within the cancer cells. Laboratory tests demonstrated that silybin inhibits tumor growth in both cell cultures and animal models. This suggests that silybin could be a promising anti-cancer agent.

Professor Ye emphasized that this research enhances our knowledge of cancer metabolism and paves the way for developing new cancer therapies. The goal is to provide safer and more effective treatment options for cancer patients in the future.