The role of glycolytic condensates in the cellular stress response during cancer progression

Abstract

Biomolecular condensates are key organizers of the intracellular environment, which are formed through liquid-liquid phase separation. Glycolytic condensates constitute a subtype of biomolecular condensates that enable compartmentalized ATP production and efficient metabolite channeling under stress conditions. This review explores how stressors, such as hypoxia, glucose deprivation, hyperosmotic stress, and hyperthermia, induce the formation of glycolytic condensates. These stressors are notably prevalent in the tumor microenvironment, where they may support cancer cell survival, metabolic adaptation, and invasion. We discuss the role of scaffold molecules, such as TPM4, F-actin, and RNA, in mediating condensate assembly and stabilization. A deeper understanding of the regulation and function of glycolytic condensates could reveal new vulnerabilities in tumor metabolism and generate strategies to hinder cancer cell adaptation to stress.