Qun-Ying Lei

Abstract Tumor cells are highly dependent on branched-chain amino acids, which can activate mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1, but the downstream catabolite branched-chain α-keto acids (BCKAs) are not well studied in this context. Here, using clinical samples and genetically engineered mouse tumor models, we showed that tumor-derived BCKAs are secreted actively into the tumor microenvironment (TME) where they reprogram tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) to promote tumor progression.

Cachexia is a wasting disorder characterized by progressive metabolic dysregulation. A new study demonstrates using systematic multi-omics analyses that activation of one-carbon metabolism potentially contributes to energy wasting in cachexia, providing in-depth understanding of cachexia in terms of metabolic rewiring.

Get full text access Log in, subscribe or purchase for full access. References 1. Cai, G. ∙ Zhang, Z. ∙ Zhong, L. ... UMP functions as an endogenous regulator of NR4A1 to control gastric cancer progression Mol. Cell. 2025; 85:4347-4364.e12 2. Wang, Y.-P. ∙ Lei, Q.-Y. Metabolite sensing and signaling in cell metabolism Signal Transduct. Target. Ther. 2018; 3, 30 3. Yang, Z. ∙ Gimple, R.C. ∙ Zhou, N. ... Targeting Nuclear Receptors for Cancer Therapy: Premises, Promises, and Challenges Trends Cancer.