Lipid accumulation (red) in liver tissue promotes development of hepatocellular carcinoma. (Image: Biozentrum, University of Basel).
Lipid, also known as fat, is an optimal energy source and an important cell component. Much is required for the rapid and uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. Researchers from the Biozentrum of the University of Basel and from the University of Geneva have now discovered that the protein mTOR stimulates the production of lipids in liver tumors to satisfy the increased nutrient turnover and energy needs of cancer cells among other functions. This process has also been observed in patients with liver cancer as the scientists report in "Cancer Cell". In Switzerland, about 650 new cases of liver cancer are diagnosed every year. The incidence of the malignant and aggressive liver cell carcinoma has doubled in the last 20 years, especially in developed countries. One possible reason for this is the increase in obesity and diabetes.
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