Exploring Dichloroacetate's Metabolic Impact on Colon Cancer Cells via 13C NMR Spectroscopy

Dichloroacetate (DCA) has shown promise as a therapeutic agent in cancer treatment by targeting the altered metabolism of cancer cells. In this study, we utilized 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to explore the metabolic effects of DCA on cultured colon cancer cells. By employing stable isotope-labeled glucose and other substrates, we traced the carbon atoms' journey through key metabolic pathways, offering a comprehensive view of the cellular metabolic response to DCA. Our findings reveal significant changes in the 13C-labeled metabolite profiles of colon cancer cells upon DCA exposure. Detailed results of this investigation will be presented.