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Cholesterol metabolism: New functions and therapeutic approaches in cancer

Huanji Xu1, Sheng Zhou1, Qiulin Tang1

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610041, China.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Reviews on Cancer
|July 23, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Cholesterol metabolism significantly impacts cancer development and progression. Targeting cholesterol synthesis, uptake, and specific molecules offers promising new therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Metabolic pathways

Background:

  • Cholesterol and its metabolites are integral to cancer biology.
  • Dysregulated cholesterol metabolism influences oncogenic signaling, ferroptosis, and the tumor microenvironment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the role of cholesterol metabolism in cancer.
  • To highlight recent advances in cancer therapy targeting cholesterol metabolism.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review.
  • Analysis of preclinical and clinical studies.

Main Results:

  • Blocking cholesterol synthesis and uptake inhibits tumor formation and growth.
  • Emerging drug targets include SOAT1, SQLE, and NPC1.

Conclusions:

  • Cholesterol metabolism is a critical factor in cancer.
  • Targeting cholesterol pathways presents a promising avenue for novel cancer therapies.
Keywords:
Cancer treatmentCholesterolFunctionsMetabolism

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