A new study from the University of Lausanne by is shedding light on how cancer cells adapt and survive, even under treatment pressure. The research uncovers a surprising role for vitamin B7 (biotin) in enabling cancer cells to switch metabolic pathways, a flexibility that may contribute to treatment resistance.
Cancer cells are known for their rapid growth, and to sustain this, many rely heavily on a nutrient called glutamine. This phenomenon, often described as “glutamine addiction” has made glutamine metabolism a key target in cancer therapy. However, treatments that block glutamine pathways don’t always work as expected. Tumors often find alternative ways to survive.
Researchers discovered that vitamin B7 acts as a critical cofactor for an enzyme called pyruvate carboxylase, which allows cancer cells to switch from glutamine dependency to another metabolic route. In simple terms, biotin enables cancer cells to “change fuel sources” when their primary supply is cut off.
When vitamin B7 was limited in controlled experimental conditions, this metabolic flexibility was disrupted. As a result, cancer cells were less able to adapt, and their growth was significantly reduced.
This finding points to a potential strategy in cancer treatment: instead of targeting a single metabolic pathway, therapies could be designed to block multiple survival routes simultaneously. By combining glutamine inhibition with disruption of biotin-dependent processes, researchers may be able to expose a key vulnerability in tumor cells.
The study also highlights the role of the FBXW7 gene, a known tumor suppressor. Mutations in this gene commonly observed in several cancer types appear to make cancer cells even more reliant on glutamine metabolism. This suggests that patients with such mutations could respond differently to therapies targeting metabolic pathways, reinforcing the importance of personalized medicine.
For African genomics and health research, these findings are particularly relevant. Understanding how genetic variations influence cancer metabolism is essential for developing treatments that are effective across diverse populations. It also underscores the need for more inclusive datasets in biomedical research.
While the study focuses on vitamin B7, it does not suggest that people should reduce their intake of biotin. This vitamin is essential for normal bodily functions, including energy metabolism and skin health. The findings are specific to controlled laboratory settings and targeted therapeutic strategies, not dietary recommendations.
Cancer’s strength lies in its ability to adapt. This research shows that vitamin-dependent metabolic pathways may be one of the mechanisms behind that adaptability, and a promising target for future treatments.
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https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260420014744.htm
Source: ScienceDaily (University of Lausanne)
