TNCE-3

Glutamine (Gln), a critical metabolic substrate, fuels the uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), essential components of the tumor microenvironment, facilitate tumor progression by supplying Gln to cancer cells and driving drug resistance through metabolic reprogramming. This review highlights the key processes of Gln uptake, transport, and catabolism and explores the metabolic crosstalk between CAFs and cancer cells. It also examines the roles of major oncogenic regulators-c-Myc, mTORC, KRAS, p53, and HIF-in controlling Gln metabolism and shaping therapeutic resistance. Current pharmacological approaches targeting Gln metabolism, including enzyme inhibitors and transporter blockers, are discussed alongside emerging therapeutic strategies and ongoing clinical trials. Lastly, we underscore the importance of integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and spatial omics to refine treatment targeting and develop more effective, personalized therapeutic interventions.

Tyrosinase (TYR), a polyphenol oxidase crucial for melanin synthesis, plays various biological functions, and its inhibitors are widely used in the cosmetics and food industries for skin-lightening and anti-browning applications. Here, an innovative method that integrates biosensing with affinity chromatography was developed, enabling the rapid and precise identification of TYR inhibitors in food. The biosensing segment used a dopamine-modified carbon quantum dot fluorescence sensor for quick detection of TYR inhibitors in complex food samples. In affinity chromatography, bioactive compounds were accurately captured, separated, and identified. The method was validated using both positive and negative controls and applied to screen for TYR inhibitors in 21 foods. The results revealed Wolfberry significantly inhibits TYR, with 2-O-β-D-Glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid (AA-2βG) identified as the active compound. Molecular docking demonstrated strong binding between AA-2βG and TYR, and anti-browning tests confirmed its effectiveness. The findings highlight the potential for quickly identifying enzyme inhibitors in food.