Decoding Metabolic Symbiosis between Pancreatic Cancer Cells and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Using Cultured Tumor Microenvironment

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis, largely due to its unique tumor microenvironment (TME) and dense fibrotic stroma. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a crucial role in promoting tumor growth and metastasis, contributing to the metabolic adaptation of PDAC cells. However, the metabolic interactions between PDAC cells and CAFs are not well-understood. In this study, an in vitro co-culture model was used to investigate these metabolic interactions. Metabolomic analysis was performed under monoculture conditions of Capan−1 PDAC cells and CAF precursor cells, as well as co-culture conditions of PDAC cells and differentiated inflammatory CAF (iCAF). Co-cultured Capan−1 cells displayed significant metabolic changes, such as increased 2-oxoglutaric acid and lauric acid and decreased amino acids. The metabolic profiles of co-cultured Capan−1 and CAFs revealed differences in intracellular metabolites. Analysis of extracellular metabolites in the culture supernatant showed distinct differences between Capan−1 and CAF precursors, with the co-culture supernatant exhibiting the most significant changes. A comparison of the culture supernatants of Capan−1 and CAF precursors revealed different metabolic processes while co-culturing the two cell types demonstrated potential metabolic interactions. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of metabolic interactions between cancer cells and CAFs in tumor progression and highlights the role of TME in metabolic reprogramming.