Metabolic and Epigenetic Dynamics in Shaping Tumor Microenvironment

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a dynamic and intricate system composed of cancer cells, immune cells, fibroblasts, blood vessels, extracellular matrix, and mesenchymal stromal cells. Each component within this environment undergoes metabolic reprogramming to support tumor pathogenesis and promote tumor growth. This shift in metabolism not only fuels the energy demands of rapidly proliferating cancer cells but also facilitates various adaptive mechanisms, including immune evasion, tumor relapse, survival of cancer stem cells, and the development of resistance to chemotherapy.

Simultaneously, these metabolic changes lead to the accumulation of specific metabolites that play a significant role in altering cellular epigenetics. For example, metabolites can affect DNA methylation and histone modification patterns, thereby influencing gene expression profiles. This interaction demonstrates how the metabolic state within the tumor microenvironment can alter epigenetic landscapes, emphasizing the critical role of metabolic factors in promoting tumor progression and resistance to therapies.

This Research Topic aims to delve into the critical interplay between metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic modifications within the tumor microenvironment (TME). As cancer cells and adjacent stromal components undergo metabolic alterations to sustain tumor growth, these changes are not merely energetic adaptations; they have profound implications for cellular epigenetics.
Specific metabolites resulting from altered metabolic pathways can influence epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, thereby affecting gene expression profiles. Understanding these metabolic drivers of epigenetic changes is vital for elucidating their roles in tumor progression, immune evasion, and the development of therapeutic resistance.

By integrating insights from metabolism, epigenetics, and tumor biology, This Research Topic aims to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms driving cancer development and the challenges associated with its treatment. It also, aims to foster a deeper understanding of how metabolic states can reshape epigenetic landscapes, opening new avenues for therapeutic interventions in oncology.

The Research Topic encompasses themes that explore the interplay between metabolism and epigenetics within the tumor microenvironment (TME). We invite contributions focusing on specific areas such as the identification of key metabolites that drive epigenetic modifications, the role of metabolic pathways in regulating epigenetic factors, and how altered cellular metabolism influences gene expression and tumor behavior. Additionally, studies examining the interaction between tumor metabolism and immune cell epigenetics, as well as the implications of these metabolic-epigenetic dynamics for therapeutic resistance, are of particular interest.

We welcome a variety of manuscript types, including original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and meta-analyses that provide insights into how metabolic changes impact epigenetics within the TME. By bringing together diverse findings and perspectives, this Research Topic aims to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms linking metabolism and epigenetics in cancer biology.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Tumor microenvironment, Metabolic reprogramming, Oncometabolites, Epigenetics, Cell Metabolism, Cancer Stem Cells

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.