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Cellular mechanisms linking cancers to obesity
Xiao-Zheng Liu1, Line Pedersen1, Nils Halberg1
1Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, N-5020 Bergen, Norway.
Cell Stress
|May 14, 2021
Summary
Obesity is linked to 13 cancers, impacting tumors via complex local and systemic environments. Understanding these molecular links can reveal targeted therapies for cancer patients with obesity.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Metabolic Syndrome Research
Background:
- Obesity is a significant risk factor, epidemiologically associated with 13 distinct cancer types.
- The complex interplay between the obese environment and tumor development involves multiple molecular and cellular pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous mechanisms connecting obesity and cancer.
- To provide an overview of mouse models utilized in studying the obesity-cancer link.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous mechanisms.
- Compilation of data from relevant mouse model systems.
Main Results:
- Obesity influences cancer through modulation of cancer cell phenotypes.
- The tumor microenvironment composition is significantly altered by obesity.
Conclusions:
- A deeper molecular understanding of obesity's role in cancer is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
- Mouse models are essential tools for dissecting the complex biological interactions between obesity and cancer progression.
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