Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 as a therapeutic target for cancer: a focus on hepatocellular carcinoma

One of the main characteristics of cancer cells is the alteration in lipid composition, which is associated with a significant monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) enrichment. In addition to their structural functions in newly synthesized membranes in proliferating cancer cells, these fatty acids are involved in tumorigenic signaling. Increased expression and activity of stearoyl CoA desaturase (SCD1), i.e., an enzyme converting saturated fatty acids to Delta 9-monounsaturated fatty acids, has been observed in various cancer cells. This increase in expression and activity has also been associated with cancer aggressiveness and poor patient outcome. Previous studies have also indicated the SCD1 involvement in increased cancer cells proliferation, growth, migration, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, metastasis, chemoresistance, and maintenance of cancer stem cells properties. Hence, SCD1 seems to be a player in malignancy development and may be considered a novel therapeutic target in cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review study aims to discuss the impact of SCD1 as a major component in lipid signaling in HCC.

Automated summary

One of the main characteristics of cancer cells is the alteration in lipid composition, particularly the enrichment of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). The enzyme stearoyl CoA desaturase (SCD1), which converts saturated fatty acids to monounsaturated fatty acids, is overexpressed in various cancer cells and is associated with cancer aggressiveness and poor patient outcome. SCD1 also plays a role in cancer cell proliferation, migration, chemoresistance, and maintenance of cancer stem cells properties. Therefore, SCD1 may be a potential therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other cancers.