News
Article
Poor Diet May Drive Lung Adenocarcinoma Progression Through Glycogen Accumulation
Author(s):
The Western diet was associated with increased risk of lung cancer.
Diet is a well-established preventative measure for various cancers, but emerging research from the University of Florida Health Cancer Center (UF) suggests that poor diet can also increase risk of lung cancer. The findings, published in Nature Metabolism, reveal an association between glycogen accumulation and the development or progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).1
Microscopic view of glycogen storage | Image Credit: © Abyss Photo - stock.adobe.com
LUAD is an aggressive cancer and is considered one of the deadliest in the world, accounting for approximately 40% of all lung cancer cases. Although smoking or a history of smoking is considered the number 1 leading cause of lung cancer, other risk factors include a history of lung cancer within families or exposure to certain chemicals, such as radon. However, poor diet may also play a role in lung cancer prevention.1,2
“Lung cancer has not traditionally been thought of as a dietary-related disease,” Ramon Sun, PhD, an associate professor and director of the UF Center for Advanced Spatial Biomolecule Research, said in a news release. “Diseases like pancreatic cancer or liver cancer, yes. However, when it comes to lung cancer, the idea that diet could play a role is rarely discussed.”3
The study highlighted the critical role of glycogen in LUAD, revealing its impact on tumor growth and patient outcomes. Researchers found that glycogen, a glucose-storage molecule, acts as a powerful oncogenic metabolite, fueling tumor growth in LUAD. The research was inspired by studies of Lafora disease, a rare neurological disorder characterized by toxic glycogen buildup. Applying similar methods, the team used advanced spatial metabolomics and found that glycogen levels in lung cancer cells provide essential building blocks for tumor growth. When mice were fed a high-fat, high-fructose “Western diet,” lung tumors expanded rapidly. Conversely, reducing glycogen levels significantly slowed tumor progression.1,3
The researchers concluded that a typical Western diet raises glycogen levels, which in turn fuels lung cancer tumors by supplying the essential building blocks for their growth. According to Sun, glycogen is an “exceptionally strong predictor” of tumor progression and mortality in lung cancer patients.3
“In the long term, our approach to cancer prevention should mirror the success of the anti-smoking campaign—placing greater emphasis on public awareness and policy-driven strategies that promote healthier dietary choices as a fundamental component of disease prevention,” Sun said.3
This discovery opens new possibilities for lung cancer treatment, particularly through the manipulation of glycogen levels. By shifting the focus to metabolic factors like glycogen, this approach has the potential to complement traditional therapies and improve outcomes for those battling lung cancer, providing hope for more affordable, effective treatment strategies in the future.
“Prioritizing a nutrient-rich diet, maintaining an active lifestyle and minimizing alcohol intake are foundational strategies for long-term health,” Matthew Gentry, PhD, a professor and chair of biochemistry and molecular biology at the UF College of Medicine and study collaborator, said in a news release. “Fostering better dietary habits can be a powerful tool in lung cancer prevention.”3
