BI 542 Cancer As A Metabolic Disease (Fall: 3)
Prerequisite:
BI204 and additional coursework in molecular cell biology (such as BI304, BI414 or BI440) or biochemistry (BI435 or CH561) or instructor permission.
Satisfies the advanced experience requirement for the Biology major.
This seminar will review evidence showing that impaired cellular energy
metabolism is the defining characteristic of nearly all cancers regardless
of cellular or tissue origin. In contrast to normal cells, which derive
most of their usable energy from oxidative phosphorylation, nearly all cancer
cells become dependent on non-oxidative substrate level phosphorylations
to meet energy demands. Evidence will be discussed supporting a general
hypothesis that all hallmarks of cancer including genomic instability and
metastasis can be linked to impaired mitochondrial function. A view of cancer
as a metabolic disease will impact approaches to cancer management and prevention.
Thomas Seyfried
Last Updated: 28-JAN-13