Proteomics-based target identification of natural products affecting cancer metabolism

The Warburg effect, a widely known characteristic of cancer cells, refers to the utilization of glycolysis under aerobic conditions for extended periods of time. Recent studies have revealed that cancer cells are capable of reprogramming their metabolic pathways to meet vigorous metabolic demands. New anticancer drugs that target the complicated metabolic systems of cancer cells are being developed. Identifying the potential targets of novel compounds that affect cancer metabolism may enable the discovery of new therapeutic targets for cancer treatment, and hasten the development of anticancer drugs. Historically, various drug screening techniques such as the analysis of a compound’s antiproliferative effect on cancer cells and proteomic methods, that enable target identification have been used to obtain many useful drugs from natural products. Here, we review proteomics-based target identification methods applicable to natural products that affect cancer metabolism.