Figure 2.

Glycolysis-induced EMT in tumor cells. Stimuli, either tumor cell-autonomous or from the TME (extracellular) increase the expression and/or activity of one or more glycolytic components (transporters, enzymes or metabolites). These components then induce EMT upon redistribution to cellular locations other than the cytosol, or by interacting and increasing the activity of signaling pathways that induce EMT. Overall upregulation of glycolysis is another consequence, and this can lead to enhanced production and secretion of lactate and to the generation of an acidic TME, changes that are also known to induce EMT in tumor cells. EMT, Epithelial–Mesenchymal transition; PDH, pyruvate dehydrogenase; TME, tumor microenvironment.