Lipids are integral components of cell membranes, energy storage, and signaling pathways. In the context of cancer, lipid metabolism is often reprogrammed to support rapid cell proliferation. Tumor cells exhibit altered lipid profiles, which assist in membrane synthesis and the production of signaling molecules necessary for growth and survival. For instance, phospholipids and sphingolipids are involved in cellular signaling that can promote cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Understanding lipid metabolism in cancer can lead to novel therapeutic strategies.
