Fibroblasts Prompt Tumors to Mobilize Their Glycogen Reserves

Cancer cells use multiple strategies to fuel their unchecked growth. In a recent paper, Curtis et al. ( Cell Metab. 2019;29:141–155) delineate a novel strategy whereby cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) secrete cytokines that stimulate glycogen breakdown in ovarian cancer cells. CAF-induced glycogen breakdown increases glycolysis and ATP generation, and facilitates proliferation and metastasis.