Metabolic interplay between exogenous cystine and glutamine dependence in triple-negative breast cancer.

ABSTRACT: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype characterized by high recurrence rates and limited treatment options due to the absence of hormone receptors. Despite advancements in breast cancer research, effective therapies for TNBC remain inadequate, highlighting the need to elucidate subtype-specific metabolic vulnerabilities. TNBC cells exhibit a strong dependence on the exogenous amino acids cystine and glutamine, yet the interplay between these metabolic dependencies remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that TNBC cells exhibit sensitivity to individual nutrient deprivation but can survive dual cystine and glutamine deprivation via distinct mechanisms. Exogenous glutamine primarily fuels glutamine anaplerosis, supporting TNBC cell proliferation.

SUBMITTER: Ge Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12501009 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature