Work

Biochemistry, molecular biology, and pharmacology of fatty acid synthase, an emerging therapeutic target and diagnosis/prognosis marker.

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: Human fatty acid synthase (FASN) is a 270-kDa cytosolic dimeric enzyme that is responsible for palmitate synthesis. FASN is slowly emerging and rediscovered as a marker for diagnosis and prognosis of human cancers. Recent studies showed that FASN is an oncogene and inhibition of FASN effectively and selectively kill cancer cells. With recent publications of the FASN crystal structure and the new development of FASN inhibitors, targeting FASN opens a new window of opportunity for metabolically combating cancers. In this article, we will review critically the recent progresses in understanding the structure, function, and the role of FASN in cancers and pharmacologically targeting FASN for human cancer treatment.

Source: PubMed Central

Authors: Hailan Liu, Jing-Yuan Liu, Xi Wu, Jian-Ting Zhang

Institutions: Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis

Language: English

Topic: Cancer, Lipids, and Metabolism

Subfield: Cancer Research

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Cancer Institute

Award: Targeting the amino terminal gate of human MRP1