Functional significance of cholesterol metabolism in cancer: from threat to treatment

Cholesterol is an essential structural component of membranes that contributes to membrane integrity and fluidity. Cholesterol homeostasis plays a critical role in the maintenance of cellular activities. Recently, increasing evidence has indicated that cholesterol is a major determinant by modulating cell signaling events governing the hallmarks of cancer. Numerous studies have shown the functional significance of cholesterol metabolism in tumorigenesis, cancer progression and metastasis through its regulatory effects on the immune response, ferroptosis, autophagy, cell stemness, and the DNA damage response. Here, we summarize recent literature describing cholesterol metabolism in cancer cells, including the cholesterol metabolism pathways and the mutual regulatory mechanisms involved in cancer progression and cholesterol metabolism. We also discuss various drugs targeting cholesterol metabolism to suggest new strategies for cancer treatment. Emerging evidence suggests that changes in cholesterol metabolism can be involved in the onset and progression of cancer, opening avenues towards better understanding of cancer and new treatment options. Cholesterol is an essential structural component of cell membranes, important for maintaining optimal fluidity of the membrane under varying conditions. Si Shi, Xianjun Yu and colleagues at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, China, review recent research into cholesterol metabolism in cancers, including cellular regulatory pathways involving cholesterol that are also implicated in cancer progression. The influence of cholesterol metabolism on cancer has been linked to effects on several key physiological processes, including the immune response, regulated cell death, recycling of cellular components, DNA repair, and the activities of stem cells. The authors consider the potential of drugs known to influence cholesterol metabolism in anti-cancer therapy.

Automated summary

Cholesterol plays a critical role in maintaining cellular activities by contributing to membrane integrity and fluidity. Recent research has shown that cholesterol metabolism is closely involved in cancer progression through its regulatory effects on various cellular processes. Understanding the role of cholesterol metabolism in cancer could lead to new strategies for cancer treatment.