How Does the Tumor Microenvironment Influence Catalysis?
The tumor microenvironment, which includes surrounding stromal cells, immune cells, and the extracellular matrix, significantly influences the metabolic activities of cancer cells. Hypoxia, a common feature of the tumor microenvironment, can induce a shift towards glycolysis and alter the activity of various enzymes through hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). Additionally, the availability of nutrients such as glucose and amino acids in the microenvironment can regulate the expression and activity of metabolic enzymes, further impacting catalytic processes within the tumor.
