Abstract: The abnormal glucose metabolism of tumor cells is associated with a variety of mechanisms. Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) is able to activate the glycolytic enzymes, which is conducive to getting energy through glycolysis. The dysfunction or the depletion in numbers of mitochondria can inhibit the oxidative phosphorylation pathway of glucose to some extent. The activation of oncogenes and the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes are also involved in the regulation of mitochondrial respiratory chain and glycolytic enzymes, thus affecting the process of glucose metabolism. Compared with normal cells, the synthesis of oxidative phosphorylation enzymes is inhibited in cancer cells. In addition, the abnormal glucose metabolism plays an important role in the growth, invasion and metastasis of tumor cells.

Key words: Glycolysis, Mitochondria, Neoplasms, Hypoxia inducible factor