Cholesterol is an important lipid in the body of mammals and an essential component of membrane structures. Cholesterol homeostasis is critical for the maintenance of cellular and body activities, and is mainly regulated by the balance of cholesterol biosynthesis and the exogenous cholesterol uptake. Aberrantly regulated cholesterol metabolism promotes tumor cell proliferationï¼survivalï¼invasion and metastasisï¼and their adaptability into the tumor microenvironment. Thereforeï¼targeting cholesterol biosynthesis and reduction of plasma cholesterol levels and cholesterol esterification will provide new strategies for cancer treatment. This review summarizes the current understanding in cholesterol homeostasis regulation and its function in the occurence and development of cancerï¼as well as current metabolism-targeted cancer treatments.
Cholesterol metabolism and tumor