Zhao Jiawei, Bai Xiaohui, Du Jingjing, Chen Yujing, Guo Xiaotong, Zhang Juzheng, Gan Jinfeng, Wu Peitao, Chen Siqi, Zhang Xinwen, Yang Jinfeng, Jin Jiamin, Gao Li
Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, P.R. China.
Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, P.R. China.
Oncol Rep. 2025 Jul;54(1). doi: 10.3892/or.2025.8919. Epub 2025 May 30.
Tryptophan (Trp) metabolism is a complex and important biochemical process in humans. It is vital in protein synthesis and is a precursor of various bioactive molecules. Trp is metabolized through the kynurenine, serotonin and indole pathways, mediating diverse physiological functions, including neurotransmitter synthesis, immune regulation, antioxidant effects, and biosynthesis of niacin and melatonin. These metabolic pathways maintain essential functions under normal physiological conditions. However, they are significantly affected by various types of cancers. Trp metabolites regulate tumor angiogenesis, affect the self‑renewal of cancer stem cells, and participate in immune evasion and cell death through complex mechanisms. As the mechanisms underlying Trp metabolism in diseases are increasingly being elucidated, targeting Trp metabolic pathways has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy. Further investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying Trp metabolism and its role in diseases may provide new perspectives and approaches for diagnosing and treating diseases.
色氨酸（Trp）代谢是人体中一个复杂且重要的生化过程。它在蛋白质合成中至关重要，并且是各种生物活性分子的前体。色氨酸通过犬尿氨酸、血清素和吲哚途径进行代谢，介导多种生理功能，包括神经递质合成、免疫调节、抗氧化作用以及烟酸和褪黑素的生物合成。这些代谢途径在正常生理条件下维持着基本功能。然而，它们受到各种类型癌症的显著影响。色氨酸代谢产物通过复杂机制调节肿瘤血管生成，影响癌症干细胞的自我更新，并参与免疫逃逸和细胞死亡。随着疾病中色氨酸代谢潜在机制的日益明晰，靶向色氨酸代谢途径已成为一种有前景的治疗策略。对色氨酸代谢潜在分子机制及其在疾病中作用的进一步研究可能为疾病的诊断和治疗提供新的视角和方法。
