Glucose metabolism in B cell malignancies: a focus on glycolysis branching pathways

Glucose catabolism, one of the essential pathways sustaining cellular bioenergetics, has been widely studied in the context of tumors. Nevertheless, the function of various branches of glucose metabolism that stem from ‘classical’ glycolysis have only been partially explored. This review focuses on discussing general mechanisms and pathological implications of glycolysis and its branching pathways in the biology of B cell malignancies. We summarize here what is known regarding pentose phosphate, hexosamine, serine biosynthesis, and glycogen synthesis pathways in this group of tumors. Despite most findings have been based on malignant B cells themselves, we also discuss the role of glucose metabolism in the tumor microenvironment, with a focus on T cells. Understanding the contribution of glycolysis branching pathways and how they are hijacked in B cell malignancies will help to dissect the role they have in sustaining the dissemination and proliferation of tumor B cells and regulating immune responses within these tumors. Ultimately, this should lead to deciphering associated vulnerabilities and improve current therapeutic schedules. This review focuses on discussing general mechanisms and pathological implications of glycolysis and its branching pathways in the biology of B cell malignancies. We summarize here what is known regarding pentose phosphate, hexosamine, serine biosynthesis, and glycogen synthesis pathways in this group of tumors and in the tumor microenvironment.