Lipid metabolism in cancer progression and therapeutic strategies

Abstract

Dysregulated lipid metabolism represents an important metabolic alteration in cancer. Fatty acids, cholesterol, and phospholipid are the three most prevalent lipids that act as energy producers, signaling molecules, and source material for the biogenesis of cell membranes. The enhanced synthesis, storage, and uptake of lipids contribute to cancer progression. The rewiring of lipid metabolism in cancer has been linked to the activation of oncogenic signaling pathways and cross talk with the tumor microenvironment. The resulting activity favors the survival and proliferation of tumor cells in the harsh conditions within the tumor. Lipid metabolism also plays a vital role in tumor immunogenicity via effects on the function of the noncancer cells within the tumor microenvironment, especially immune‐associated cells. Targeting altered lipid metabolism pathways has shown potential as a promising anticancer therapy. Here, we review recent evidence implicating the contribution of lipid metabolic reprogramming in cancer to cancer progression, and discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying lipid metabolism rewiring in cancer, and potential therapeutic strategies directed toward lipid metabolism in cancer. This review sheds new light to fully understanding of the role of lipid metabolic reprogramming in the context of cancer and provides valuable clues on therapeutic strategies targeting lipid metabolism in cancer.

Reprogramming of Lipid Metabolism in Lung Cancer: An Overview with Focus on EGFR-Mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

“…However, myc has been found bound to the promoters of FA synthesis genes, such as the FASN and SCD genes, suggesting that it can also stimulate FA synthesis independently of SREBP1 [33]. Myc can also enhance the mitochondrial synthesis of acetyl-CoA and the de novo synthesis of palmitate [34] and has been shown to play a role in the regulation of FAO [23].…”

Tumor metastasis: Mechanistic insights and therapeutic interventions

“…Obesity has been recognized as a risk factor for cancer, so investigating lipid metabolism in the tumor is necessary. 233 , 234 The results of researches in the past 10 years have shown that abnormal lipid metabolism in the TME is one of the key steps involved in tumor metastasis. 235 Therefore, correcting abnormal lipid metabolism may prevent the occurrence of tumor metastasis.…”

Mitochondria and Their Relationship with Common Genetic Abnormalities in Hematologic Malignancies

“…These include drugs targeting ETC, TCA, glycolysis, and fatty acid oxidation and synthesis enzymes. Some of these enzymes are localized in the mitochondria, whereas others are found in the cytosol (Figure 1 and Table 3) [7,[428][429][430][431][432][433][434][435][436][437][438]. In addition, increasing mitochondrial ROS production is also an important mitochondria-related cancer therapy strategy [14,20].…”