Cell Clustering Promotes a Metabolic Switch that Supports Metastatic Colonization (Cell Metabolism)

Labuschagne et al. show that the clustering of cancer cells following detachment from the extracellular matrix (ECM) results in hypoxia, which activates mitophagy to remove damaged mitochondria and reductive metabolism to support glycolysis. These responses limit mitochondrial ROS production, allowing cell survival and metastasis.