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The role and mechanism of branched-chain amino acids in tumorigenesis and progression

ZHENG Ren, HU Chen-Chen, SUN Yuan-Jie, HU Fei-Ming, GUO Lin, HE Yuan-Li, YANG Shu-Ya^*

Department of Immunology, Basic Medical Science Academy, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China

Abstract

As essential amino acids, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) have attracted much attention in the field of tumor metabolism in recent years. This article reviews the metabolic characteristics of BCAAs in tumors and discusses their involvement in tumorigenesis and development through regulating signaling pathways, affecting the immune microenvironment, and promoting tumor metastasis. Research has shown that abnormal BCAA metabolism is closely related to the occurrence, progression, and prognosis of various tumors. By regulating BCAA metabolism, it is expected to provide new targets and strategies for tumor treatment. Indepth research on the specific mechanisms of BCAAs in tumors will provide more evidence for precision cancer treatment.

Key words: branched-chain amino acid; neoplasms; metabolism; gene expression regulation; diet

Received: 　　Accepted:

Corresponding author: 杨舒雅　　E-mail:

DOI: 10.13294/j.aps.2025.0089

Citing This Article：

ZHENG Ren, HU Chen-Chen, SUN Yuan-Jie, HU Fei-Ming, GUO Lin, HE Yuan-Li, YANG Shu-Ya. The role and mechanism of branched-chain amino acids in tumorigenesis and progression. Acta Physiol Sin 2025; 77 (6): 1101-1108 (in Chinese with English abstract).