Greasing the Wheels of the Cancer Machine: The Role of Lipid Metabolism in Cancer

Abstract

Altered lipid metabolism is among the most prominent metabolic alterations in cancer. Enhanced synthesis or uptake of lipids contributes to rapid cancer cell growth and tumor formation. Lipids are a highly complex group of biomolecules that not only constitute the structural basis of biological membranes but also function as signaling molecules and an energy source. Here, we summarize recent evidence implicating altered lipid metabolism in different aspects of the cancer phenotype and discuss potential strategies by which targeting lipid metabolism could provide a therapeutic window for cancer treatment. Altered lipid metabolism is a prominent feature of metabolic reprogramming in cancer. Here, Snaebjornsson et al. discuss how lipid metabolism impacts tumor growth, energy metabolism, and stress response. Furthermore, the authors emphasize recent evidence demonstrating the non-cell-autonomous roles of lipids in the tumor microenvironment and their importance in tumor progression.