Overview

• Researchers at the University of Rochester discovered that leukemia cells rely on taurine imported via the SLC6A6 transporter to drive glycolysis and malignancy.
• Genetic disruption of the taurine transporter in preclinical models significantly suppressed leukemia growth, highlighting a potential drug target.
• The findings apply broadly across myeloid leukemia subtypes, including AML, CML, and MDS, suggesting widespread therapeutic relevance.
• Given taurine's presence in energy drinks and supplements, researchers caution against its use by leukemia patients, as elevated levels may accelerate disease progression.
• Future clinical studies aim to measure taurine levels in patients and develop inhibitors to block its uptake, advancing treatment strategies for these aggressive blood cancers.