New Insights on Energy Waves in Cancer Cells Linked to Tumor Growth

In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified energy-producing waves on the surfaces of cancer cells that are correlated with tumor growth and aggressiveness. This research, published on July 1, 2025, in the journal *Nature Communications*, provides new insights into the metabolic processes that fuel cancer proliferation and suggests potential avenues for novel therapeutic interventions.

The study, led by Dr. Peter Devreotes, the Isaac Morris and Lucille Elizabeth Hay Professor of Cell Biology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, examines the rhythmic propagation of glycolytic enzymes on cancer cell membranes. These waves, which generate energy from glucose, may serve as critical indicators of cancer severity and could be targeted to inhibit tumor growth.

"Our findings suggest a correlation between higher levels of the energy-producing waves and a greater severity of the cancer, or the cancer's potential to spread to other organs," stated Dr. Devreotes. This research builds upon the well-established Warburg effect, which describes how cancer cells prefer glycolysis, a less efficient energy production pathway, over oxidative phosphorylation, despite their increased energy demands.

Historically, it was believed that glycolysis occurred uniformly throughout the cytosol. However, the Johns Hopkins team observed that in aggressive breast cancer cells, glycolytic enzymes congregate and move in organized waves along the cell membrane. In contrast, normal breast cells exhibited minimal enzyme activity at the membrane, suggesting that the presence of these waves is indicative of malignant transformation.

The researchers employed advanced genetic engineering techniques to label glycolytic enzymes with fluorescent markers, enabling precise visualization of these energy waves under a high-powered microscope. Their analysis revealed that aggressive cancer subtypes exhibited significantly elevated ATP levels, the energy currency of cells, linked to increased glycolytic wave activity.

"The increased presence of these glycolytic waves drives more ATP production from glycolysis in cancer cells, and that leads to enhanced reliance on glycolysis for energy," explained Dr. David Zhan, a postdoctoral researcher in Devreotes' lab.

To further explore the potential of targeting these energy waves for therapeutic purposes, the team utilized a small molecule, Latrunculin A, which disrupts the assembly of the glycolytic waves. The application of LatA resulted in a 25% decrease in ATP production, indicating that cancer cells heavily depend on these waves for their energy needs. Dr. Zhan noted, "When we inhibit the activity of these waves, we may be able to stop these cancer cells from being able to consume nutrients and grow."

The implications of this research extend beyond basic cancer biology; the findings suggest the possibility of developing a standardized method for staging cancers based on the measurement of these energy waves, irrespective of tumor subtype or genetic mutation. Such advancements could lead to more tailored treatment approaches and improve patient outcomes.

Moving forward, the research team plans to investigate the mechanisms underlying the formation of these energy waves and their precise role in cellular metabolic states. This work is supported by several grants, including those from the National Institutes of Health and other prestigious institutions.

This innovative study not only challenges longstanding biochemistry paradigms but also opens new pathways for understanding and treating various forms of cancer. As the research progresses, it may contribute significantly to the development of targeted therapies aimed at slowing or halting cancer progression by disrupting the metabolic processes that sustain it.