The plasma membrane calcium pump in pancreatic cancer cells exhibiting the warburg effect relies on glycolytic ATP

Abstract

Background: Pancreatic cancer cells exhibit up-regulated glycolysis (the "Warburg effect"). Results: Reversing the Warburg phenotype protects pancreatic cancer cells from glycolytic inhibitor-induced ATP depletion, plasma membrane calcium pump (PMCA) inhibition, and [Ca2+]i overload. Conclusion: Glycolytic ATP is critical for PMCA function in pancreatic cancer. Significance: The glycolytic dependence of the PMCA may represent a novel therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer.