Based on gene expression profiling, normal choroidal melanocytes (NCM) and UM cells differ in several key aspects of cellular metabolism. For instance, UM cells utilize glycolysis under metabolic stress (i.e., hypoxia) to survive, while NCM metabolizes glucose to proliferate. Compared to non-metastatic UM cells, metastatic UM cells exhibit upregulated OXPHOS, glycerolipid metabolism, and reduced glycogen metabolism. Anchorage-independent UM cells display lipogenic phenotypes. UPR, unfolded protein response; OXPHOS, oxidative phosphorylation; HIF1α, hypoxia-induced factor-1α.