Fatty acid synthase as a potential new therapeutic target for cervical cancer.

TitleFatty acid synthase as a potential new therapeutic target for cervical cancer.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2022
AuthorsNascimento J, Mariot C, Vianna DRB, Kliemann LM, Chaves PS, Loda M, Buffon A, Beck RCR, Pilger DA
JournalAn Acad Bras Cienc
Volume94
Issue2
Paginatione20210670
Date Published2022
ISSN1678-2690
KeywordsApoptosis, Cell Line, Tumor, Cell Survival, Fatty Acid Synthases, Female, Humans, Orlistat, Uterine Cervical Neoplasms
Abstract

Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is the rate-limiting enzyme for the de novo synthesis of fatty acids in the cytoplasm of tumour cells. Many tumour cells express high levels of FASN, and its expression is associated with a poorer prognosis. Cervical cancer is a major public health problem, representing the fourth most common cancer affecting women worldwide. To date, only a few in silico studies have correlated FASN expression with cervical cancer. This study aimed to investigate in vitro FASN expression in premalignant lesions and cervical cancer samples and the effects of a FASN inhibitor on cervical cancer cells. FASN expression was observed in all cervical cancer samples with increased expression at more advanced cervical cancer stages. The FASN inhibitor (orlistat) reduced the in vitro cell viability of cervical cancer cells (C-33A, ME-180, HeLa and SiHa) in a time-dependent manner and triggered apoptosis. FASN inhibitor also led to cell cycle arrest and autophagy. FASN may be a potential therapeutic target for cervical cancer, and medicinal chemists, pharmaceutical researchers and formulators should consider this finding in the development of new treatment approaches for this cancer type.

DOI10.1590/0001-3765202220210670
Alternate JournalAn Acad Bras Cienc
PubMed ID35507982
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