We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
INTEGRA BIOSCIENCES AG

Download Mobile App




Supply of Lipid Precursors Modulates Growth of Breast Cancer Cells

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 21 Apr 2016
Print article
Image: A photomicrograph showing that breast tumor cells have high levels of LIPG (endothelial lipase) expression in their membranes (Photo courtesy of the Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Barcelona).
Image: A photomicrograph showing that breast tumor cells have high levels of LIPG (endothelial lipase) expression in their membranes (Photo courtesy of the Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Barcelona).
An enzyme present in the cell membranes of breast cancer cells, which supplies lipid precursors that enable rapid cell growth, has emerged as a promising drug target.

Investigators at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (Barcelona, Spain) reported in the April 5, 2016, online edition of the journal Nature Communications that rapidly growing breast cancer cells were dependent on a mechanism to supply precursors for intracellular lipid production derived from extracellular sources, and they suggested that the enzyme endothelial lipase (LIPG) fulfilled this function.

LIPG expression allowed the import of lipid precursors, thereby contributing to breast cancer proliferation. Analyses of more than 500 clinical samples from patients with various kinds of breast tumors revealed that 85% had high levels of LIPG expression. Thus, LIPG was identified as an essential component of the lipid metabolic adaptations that breast cancer cells, and not normal tissue, must undergo to support high proliferation rates.

The investigators found that LIPG expression was controlled by the signaling molecules FoxA1 (forkhead box protein A1) or FoxA2 (forkhead box protein A2) in all breast cancer subtypes. Experiments with breast cancer cell cultures and in animal models showed that downregulation of either LIPG or FoxA signaling resulted in decreased proliferation and impaired synthesis of intracellular lipids.

"This new knowledge related to metabolism could be the Achilles heel of breast cancer," said senior author Dr. Roger Gomis, oncology group leader at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine. "LIPG has many virtues as a target. If a drug were found to block its activity, it could be used to develop more efficient chemotherapy treatments that are less toxic than those currently available."

Related Links:
Institute for Research in Biomedicine

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
One Step HbA1c Measuring System
GREENCARE A1c
POCT Fluorescent Immunoassay Analyzer
FIA Go
New
Gold Member
Plasma Control
Plasma Control Level 1

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: MOF materials efficiently enrich cfDNA and cfRNA in blood through simple operational process (Photo courtesy of Science China Press)

Blood Circulating Nucleic Acid Enrichment Technique Enables Non-Invasive Liver Cancer Diagnosis

The ability to diagnose diseases early can significantly enhance the effectiveness of clinical treatments and improve survival rates. One promising approach for non-invasive early diagnosis is the use... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The OvaCis Rapid Test discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts (Photo courtesy of INEX)

Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes

Ovarian cysts represent a significant health issue for women globally, with up to 10% experiencing this condition at some point in their lives. These cysts form when fluid collects within a thin membrane... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.