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Lipogenesis in cancer progression (review)
Catherine Mounier1, Lamia Bouraoui1, Eric Rassart1
1Biomed-Biological Sciences Department, UQÀM, Montréal, PQ, Canada.
International Journal of Oncology
|May 16, 2014
Summary
Tumors synthesize their own lipids, unlike normal tissues. This review highlights recent evidence showing lipogenic enzymes are key drivers in cancer metastasis and epithelial to mesenchymal transition.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Normal tissues primarily utilize circulating lipids for energy.
- Growing tumors exhibit increased reliance on de novo lipid synthesis.
- Elevated expression of lipogenic genes is common in various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent evidence on the role of lipogenic enzymes in cancer metastasis.
- To explore the involvement of lipogenesis in epithelial to mesenchymal transition.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on lipogenesis and cancer progression.
- Analysis of the role of specific lipogenic enzymes (e.g., fatty acid synthase, ACC, SCD1).
Main Results:
- Lipogenic genes, including fatty acid synthase, acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC), and stearoyl CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), are crucial for primary tumor growth.
- Evidence suggests a significant role for lipogenesis in the metastatic process.
- Lipogenesis is implicated in facilitating epithelial to mesenchymal transition.
Conclusions:
- Lipogenesis is essential for both primary tumor development and metastatic progression.
- Targeting lipogenic pathways may offer new therapeutic strategies for cancer metastasis.
