Metabolic Features of Neurofibromatosis Type 1-Associated Tumors

Abstract

Rewiring cellular metabolism is a key hallmark of cancer. Multiple evidences show that alterations in various metabolic circuits directly contribute to the tumorigenic process at different levels (e.g. cancer initiation, metastasis, resistance). However, the characterization of the metabolic profile of Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)-related neoplastic cells has been only partially elucidated both in benign neurofibromas and in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). Here, we illustrate the state of the art on the knowledge of the metabolic features of tumors related to NF1 and discuss their potential implications for the development of novel therapeutic perspectives.