Open AccessHooked on fat: the role of lipid synthesis in cancer metabolism and tumour development
Author(s) -
Franziska Baenke,
Barrie Peck,
Heike Miess,
Almut Schulze
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
disease models and mechanisms
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.327
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1754-8411
pISSN - 1754-8403
DOI - 10.1242/dmm.011338
Subject(s) - lipid metabolism , carcinogenesis , cancer , cancer cell , biology , angiogenesis , cancer research , cell , metabolism , lipid accumulation , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , genetics
An increased rate of lipid synthesis in cancerous tissues has long been recognised as an important aspect of the rewired metabolism of transformed cells. However, the contribution of lipids to cellular transformation, tumour development and tumour progression, as well as their potential role in facilitating the spread of cancerous cells to secondary sites, are not yet fully understood. In this article, we review the recent findings that support the importance of lipid synthesis and metabolism in tumorigenesis. Specifically, we explore the role of aberrant lipid biosynthesis in cancer cell migration and invasion, and in the induction of tumour angiogenesis. These processes are crucial for the dissemination of tumour cells and formation of metastases, which constitute the main cause of cancer mortality.