University of Rochester Study Links Taurine to Leukemia Growth

A recent study from the University of Rochester's Wilmot Cancer Institute has linked taurine, an amino acid naturally produced by the body and found in foods and energy drinks, to the growth of blood and bone marrow cancers like leukemia. The research showed that while normal bone marrow cells produce taurine, leukemia cells depend on other genes to absorb taurine, which enhances their ability to break down glucose for energy, thus supporting cancer growth. Importantly, blocking taurine uptake in leukemia cells halted cancer growth in both mouse models and human cell samples, highlighting a potential new treatment avenue. Experts caution that this study was preclinical and does not show taurine consumption causes cancer in humans, noting that taurine is vital for heart and brain health and is commonly used in supplements, including to mitigate chemotherapy side effects. Researchers suggest careful consideration of supplemental taurine in leukemia patients and advocate for further research to develop therapies that block taurine uptake in cancer cells. Overall, the findings open new directions for leukemia treatment but do not imply that normal dietary taurine intake or moderate energy drink consumption is harmful.