Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026
10:21
Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of Inflammation in the Co-occurrence of Primary Sjogren's Syndrome and Lung Adenocarcinoma
Published on: September 20, 2024
720
Fueling Disease: ACSS2 in Obesity-Associated Metabolic Disorders and Cancer Progression
Liuting Chen1, Yutong Wang2, Jing Yang2
1Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Jiangsu, China.
Summary
Acyl-CoA synthetase short-chain family member 2 (ACSS2) plays a key role in obesity-related metabolic disorders and cancer by regulating lipid synthesis and epigenetics. Its context-dependent roles and therapeutic potential require further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic regulation
- Epigenetics
- Cancer biology
Background:
- Obesity is linked to metabolic disorders and cancer due to altered nutrient sensing.
- Acyl-CoA synthetase short-chain family member 2 (ACSS2) is crucial for acetate metabolism, lipogenesis, and histone acetylation.
- ACSS2 activity and localization are modulated by nutrient-sensing pathways and post-translational modifications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of ACSS2 in obesity-associated metabolic disorders and cancer.
- To highlight the dual regulatory functions of ACSS2 in lipid synthesis and epigenetic modifications.
- To discuss the context-dependent roles of ACSS2 in different cancer types and immune evasion.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on ACSS2 function in obesity, metabolic disorders, and cancer.
- Analysis of ACSS2 expression, regulation (transcriptional and post-translational), and subcellular localization.
- Examination of ACSS2's impact on metabolic reprogramming, lipogenesis, and histone acetylation.
Main Results:
- ACSS2 is upregulated in obesity and most cancers, promoting acetate utilization and tumor growth.
- Downregulation of ACSS2 in digestive tumors and T cells promotes metabolic plasticity and immune evasion.
- Nuclear localization of ACSS2 correlates with increased malignancy and poorer prognosis, especially in obese individuals.
Conclusions:
- ACSS2 is a critical mediator linking obesity to metabolic dysfunction and cancer progression.
- Understanding ACSS2's context-dependent roles is essential for developing targeted therapies.
- Further research into ACSS2 regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic targeting is warranted for obesity-associated diseases.
Related Concept Videos
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
4.6K
The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
The mTOR pathway or the...
4.6K
02:23Abnormal Proliferation
5.1K
Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the...
5.1K
02:53Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
7.0K
Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
7.0K
01:22PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
5.4K
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast, mTORC2 consists of a...
5.4K
01:24Obesity
1.1K
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in...
1.1K
01:19Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
461
Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood...
461