Recent advances in targeting the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway using fatty acid synthase inhibitors

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Oncology

Background:

• Elevated lipogenesis is implicated in diseases such as obesity, cancer, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
• Fatty acid synthase (FASN), a key enzyme in de novo lipogenesis, is a significant therapeutic target.
• The development of FASN inhibitors has progressed, with the first entering clinical trials for oncology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the biological roles of FASN in cancer, obesity-related disorders, and NAFLD.
• To highlight recent advancements in drug discovery and the design of novel FASN inhibitors.
• To discuss the therapeutic potential of FASN inhibitors beyond oncology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of FASN's role in disease pathogenesis.
• Analysis of recent drug discovery strategies for FASN inhibitors.
• Evaluation of clinical trial data for FASN-targeted therapies.

Main Results:

• FASN plays a critical role in the progression of cancer, obesity, and NAFLD.
• Despite challenges, the first FASN inhibitor has advanced to clinical evaluation in oncology.
• Newer FASN inhibitors are being developed with improved strategies.

Conclusions:

• FASN inhibition represents a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer, obesity, and NAFLD.
• The clinical advancement of FASN inhibitors opens new avenues for treating lipogenesis-related diseases.
• Further research into FASN inhibitors could expand their clinical utility across multiple disease areas.