A recent study has identified high levels of aspartate in the lungs as a contributor to the growth of cancer metastases, particularly in metastatic breast cancer, suggesting potential therapeutic targets. Over half of metastatic cancer patients develop lung metastases, prompting researchers, led by Prof. Sarah-Maria Fendt, to investigate why the lungs are conducive to cancer cell growth. Their findings revealed an alternative translational program in aggressive lung metastases that alters protein production to promote cancer proliferation.
The study indicated that aspartate, although normally low in blood plasma, is elevated in the lungs of mice and patients with breast cancer. Instead of being absorbed by cancer cells, aspartate activates an NMDA receptor on their surface, triggering a signaling cascade that modifies the eIF5A initiation factor, promoting aggressive growth through hypusination. The researchers also observed similar protein changes in human lung tumor samples.
These results highlight the clinical relevance of aspartate signaling in lung metastasis and indicate that existing drugs might be repurposed to target this mechanism, paving the way for future treatments for metastatic breast cancer.
