Loss of BCAA Catabolism during Carcinogenesis Enhances mTORC1 Activity and Promotes Tumor Development and Progression (Cell Metabolism)

Using a multi-omic approach to characterize normal, regenerating, and cancerous liver tissues in mice and humans, Ericksen et al. find that BCAA catabolism is lost during tumor development and progression, but maintained in normal proliferating cells. Tissue BCAA content is also influenced by dietary BCAA intake and affects mTORC1 activity.