Stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase-1: multitasker in cancer, metabolism, and ferroptosis

Cancer progression isa highly balanced process and is maintained by a sequence of finely tuned metabolic pathways. Stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase-1 (SCD1), the fatty enzyme that converts saturated fatty acids into monounsaturated fatty acids, isa critical modulator of the fatty acid metabolic pathway. SCD1 expression is associated with poor prognosis in several cancer types. SCD1 triggers an iron-dependent cell death called ferroptosis and elevated levels of SCD1 protect cancer cells against ferroptosis. Pharmacological inhibition of SCD1 as mono-therapy and in combination with chemotherapeutic agents shows promising antitumor potential in preclinical models. In this review, we summarize the role of SCD in cancer cell progression, survival, and ferroptosis and discuss potential strategies to exploit SCD1 inhibition in future clinical trials.

Automated summary

Cancer progression relies on finely tuned metabolic pathways, and the enzyme SCD1 plays a critical role in modulating the fatty acid metabolic pathway. SCD1 expression is associated with poor prognosis in various types of cancer, and it protects cancer cells against a cell death process called ferroptosis. Inhibition of SCD1 shows promise as a potential anticancer therapy, either alone or in combination with chemotherapy, as demonstrated in preclinical models.