Lipid metabolic rewiring in glioma‑associated microglia/macrophages (Review)

Abstract

Gliomas are the most prevailing brain malignancy in both children and adults. Microglia, which are resident in the central nervous system (CNS), are distributed throughout the brain and serve an important role in the immunity of the CNS. Microglial cells exhibit varying phenotypic and meta‑ bolic properties during different stages of glioma development, making them a highly dynamic cell population. In particular, glioma‑associated microglia/macrophages (GAMs) can alter their metabolic characteristics and influence malignancies in response to the signals they receive. The significance of macro‑ phage metabolic reprogramming in tumor growth is becoming increasingly acknowledged in recent years. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is currently a scarcity of data from investigations into the lipid metabolic profiles of microglia/ macrophages in the glioma setting. Therefore, the present review aims to provide a thorough review of the role that lipid metabolism serves in tumor‑associated macrophages. In addition, it outlines potential targets for therapy based on lipid metabolism. The present review aims to serve as a reference source for future investigations into GAMs.