The Secret World of Myc, page-5

The next part of the story involves another one of the usual suspects. The entry of p53 is a now familiar plot twist in the Secret World of Myc refer article titled The regulation of cellular metabolism by tumor suppressor p53, published 06/02/13.

The authors explain the metabolic alteration in tumor cells - the Warburg effect. The energy source for the majority of normal cells derives from a process called mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. However, most tumor cells primarily utilise a process called glycolysis which is far less efficient and requires a much higher rate of glucose uptake;
♠ mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation - produces 36 ATP per glucose molecule.
♠ glycolysis - produces 2 ATP per glucose molecule.

Tumor cells depend upon metabolic alterations for rapid growth, proliferation and survival. According to the authors, one of the previously unrecognised roles of p53 is the regulation of cellular energy metabolism. The underlying molecular mechanisms driving cancer involve the activation of oncogenes such as Myc and the inactivation of tumor suppressors such as p53. Myc promotes glucose uptake and stimulates glycolysis which drives tumor growth. Tumor cells are addicted to Myc.

Is this the key differentiation between normal cells and tumors underpinning the mechanism of action for a Myc inhibitor? The addiction to Myc creates extreme sensitivity when the punch bowl is taken away, albeit briefly.