Hidden Nuclear Metabolism: Enzymes Bound to DNA Reshape Cancer Biology
Scientists have found more than 200 metabolic enzymes directly attached to human DNA in the nucleus, suggesting a small, tissue- and cancer-specific 'mini-metabolism' that may influence gene regulation, DNA repair, and tumor response to therapy. The enzymes’ nuclear roles appear to differ by cancer type (e.g., oxidative phosphorylation enzymes common in breast but not lung cancer) and some, like IMPDH2, show location-dependent functions, prompting potential new biomarkers and drug targets while many details remain to be clarified.