Open AccessLipid metabolism reprogramming and its potential targets in cancer
Author(s) -
Cheng Chunming,
Geng Feng,
Cheng Xiang,
Guo Deliang
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
cancer communications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.119
H-Index - 53
ISSN - 2523-3548
DOI - 10.1186/s40880-018-0301-4
Subject(s) - lipid metabolism , lipogenesis , sterol regulatory element binding protein , lipid droplet , reprogramming , biology , transcription factor , endoplasmic reticulum , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , chemistry , sterol , cholesterol , gene , cell
Reprogramming of lipid metabolism is a newly recognized hallmark of malignancy. Increased lipid uptake, storage and lipogenesis occur in a variety of cancers and contribute to rapid tumor growth. Lipids constitute the basic structure of membranes and also function as signaling molecules and energy sources. Sterol regulatory element‐binding proteins (SREBPs), a family of membrane‐bound transcription factors in the endoplasmic reticulum, play a central role in the regulation of lipid metabolism. Recent studies have revealed that SREBPs are highly up‐regulated in various cancers and promote tumor growth. SREBP cleavage‐activating protein is a key transporter in the trafficking and activation of SREBPs as well as a critical glucose sensor, thus linking glucose metabolism and de novo lipid synthesis. Targeting altered lipid metabolic pathways has become a promising anti‐cancer strategy. This review summarizes recent progress in our understanding of lipid metabolism regulation in malignancy, and highlights potential molecular targets and their inhibitors for cancer treatment.