Canagliflozin, a sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, suppresses the growth of glioblastoma through the AMPK-mTOR signaling

Glucose is a major metabolic source required for cancer cell survival and growth. The up-take of glucose by its transporters is enhanced in cancer cells. Cellular glucose levels are sensed by 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Upon glucose insufficiency, AMPK is activated and suppresses anabolic processes such as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) system. mTOR is a key molecule for cellular growth and dysregulated activation is observed in cancer cells.