EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF FIRRE ON OVARIAN CANCER PROGRESSION AND TREATMENT RESISTANCE: INSIGHTS INTO THE PKM2-DRIVEN GLYCOLYTIC PATHWAY AND POTENTIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR ATHLETIC HEALTH

Abstract

Objective: This study examines the role of FIRRE in promoting ovarian cancer (OC) proliferation and chemoresistance, mediated through PKM2-regulated glycolysis, with an emphasis on potential implications for athletic health concerning metabolic regulation. Methods: Ovarian cancer cell lines, A2780 and A2780cis, were utilized to assess the cellular impact of FIRRE via MTT assays for viability, PCR for gene expression analysis, and the Seahorse assay for metabolic profiling. Gene expression correlations were analyzed using the GEPIA2 database, with a focus on the interactions between FIRRE and PKM2. Results: FIRRE was found to be overexpressed in OC tissues compared to normal controls and was positively correlated with PKM2 expression, indicating a significant role in glycolytic enhancement. This overexpression was more pronounced in chemo-resistant cell lines, suggesting that FIRRE contributes to both enhanced glycolysis and drug resistance mechanisms in ovarian cancer. Notably, FIRRE’s role in promoting cell proliferation was evident across both chemo-resistant and non-resistant OC cell models. Conclusion: FIRRE acts as a pivotal oncogenic factor in ovarian cancer, enhancing tumor growth and resistance through glycolytic pathways. The association between FIRRE and increased PKM2 expression highlights a crucial metabolic regulation mechanism that could extend beyond oncology into areas such as sports medicine, where understanding cellular energy pathways is essential for optimizing athletic performance and recovery. The metabolic insights gained from this study could inform interventions that aim to modulate energy production in athletes, particularly in sports that demand intense physical exertion and energy management.