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The Role of Oxysterols in Human Cancer
Alzbeta Kloudova1, F Peter Guengerich2, Pavel Soucek3
1Department of Toxicogenomics, National Institute of Public Health, Prague 100 42, Czech Republic; Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague 100 00, Czech Republic.
Abstract:
Oxysterols are oxygenated derivatives of cholesterol formed in the human body or ingested in the diet. By modulating the activity of many proteins [e.g., liver X receptors (LXRs), oxysterol-binding proteins (OSBPs), some ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters], oxysterols can affect many cellular functions and influence various physiological processes (e.g., cholesterol metabolism, membrane fluidity regulation, intracellular signaling pathways). Therefore, the role of oxysterols is also important in pathological conditions (e.g., atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus type 2, neurodegenerative disorders). Finally, current evidence suggests that oxysterols play a role in malignancies such as breast, prostate, colon, and bile duct cancer. This review summarizes the physiological importance of oxysterols in the human body with a special emphasis on their roles in various tumors.
Insights
Oxysterols, cholesterol derivatives, impact cell functions and influence diseases like cancer. This review details their physiological roles and involvement in various tumors.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Oxysterols are cholesterol derivatives produced endogenously or from diet.
- They modulate key proteins like liver X receptors (LXRs) and oxysterol-binding proteins (OSBPs).
- Oxysterols influence cellular functions including cholesterol metabolism and signaling pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological significance of oxysterols.
- To emphasize the role of oxysterols in various types of cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on oxysterols.
- Synthesis of information on oxysterol's physiological roles.
- Analysis of oxysterol involvement in tumorigenesis.
Main Results:
- Oxysterols affect numerous cellular processes and physiological functions.
- They are implicated in pathological conditions such as atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative disorders.
- Evidence links oxysterols to malignancies including breast, prostate, colon, and bile duct cancers.
Conclusions:
- Oxysterols are critical regulators of cellular homeostasis.
- Their dysregulation contributes to various diseases, notably cancer.
- Further research into oxysterols' role in oncology is warranted.