The Azerbaijan State News Agency

Researcher uncovers how dietary fat may fuel cancer growth: Q&A

Researcher uncovers how dietary fat may fuel cancer growth: Q&A

Baku, April 3, AZERTAC

Estela Jacinto, a professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, has been studying a crucial pathway for human cell growth and metabolism for more than two decades, according to the MedicalXpress.

So, when researchers figured out how certain cancers allow fats to hijack that pathway and grow uncontrollably, Jacinto was a natural person to explain that discovery's importance for the journal Science.

She discusses the breakthrough.

Researchers discovered that an essential fatty acid called omega-6 linoleic acid, which we can only get by eating it, directly activates a central growth pathway in our cells called mTORC1. This activation depends on a protein called FABP5, which acts as a lipid chaperone. When omega-6 linoleic acid binds to FABP5, it activates mTORC1, which then drives cell growth and proliferation.

This is significant because it links a specific dietary fat directly to the cellular machinery that controls growth, including the growth of cancer cells.

Dietary nutrients supply essential raw materials for cell growth and proliferation. Although a balanced diet promotes health, excess carbohydrates and fats can disrupt cellular processes, increasing the risk of diseases such as cancer.

Understanding how specific nutrients affect the cell growth machinery at the molecular level is vital to understanding the impacts of nutrition on human health.

Both omega-6 linoleic acid and omega-3 linolenic acid are essential fatty acids, meaning our bodies can't make them. We must obtain them through diet. Omega-6 is more abundant in the Western diet from vegetable oils, while omega-3 comes from sources like fish and nuts.

The research shows that omega-6, but not omega-3 or its derivatives, activates the mTORC1 growth pathway. This strengthens the notion that excess omega-6 can potentially have adverse effects by overstimulating mTORC1 and consequently deregulating cell growth.

The research found that FABP5, the lipid chaperone that enables omega-6 to activate mTORC1, is present in higher amounts in certain cancer types, especially triple-negative breast cancer, than in receptor-positive breast cancer.

When mice with implanted triple-negative breast cancer cells were fed diets with different fatty acids, those receiving omega-6 showed increased tumor growth, while those receiving omega-3 did not. This suggests that tumors with abundant FABP5 may preferentially use dietary omega-6 to fuel their growth.

Since omega-6 is only obtained through diet, restricting its intake could benefit patients with high amounts of FABP5. The research points to a possible therapeutic strategy that combines targeting both mTOR and FABP5, along with dietary omega-6 restriction, for cancers that depend on the omega-6-FABP5-mTORC1 pathway.

This approach could be particularly relevant for triple-negative breast cancer, which is a more aggressive form of breast cancer with limited treatment options.

A balanced intake of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids is already gaining traction in promoting healthy immunity. This research adds another consideration, especially for cancer prevention and management.

Future studies should explore how manipulating the amounts of these lipids affects growth signals in different cell types, including immune cells, to potentially prevent cancer. But it's important to note that omega-6 is an essential fatty acid—we need some of it—so the goal would be balance rather than complete elimination.

Targeting FABPs to treat cancer is currently under investigation, as are numerous clinical efforts targeting mTOR. However, mTOR inhibition alone has shown only modest results due to toxicity issues.

The new understanding of how omega-6, FABP5, and mTORC1 work together opens possibilities for more targeted approaches. Future research should investigate how excess dietary fat reprograms both cellular and whole-body metabolism, which could provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying cancer initiation and progression.

This research helps address a significant knowledge gap in how specific nutrients, particularly lipids, affect cell growth. It provides a step-by-step understanding of how a common dietary fat can fuel cancer proliferation.

By identifying the molecular players involved—omega-6 linoleic acid, FABP5 and mTORC1—researchers now have new targets for potential therapeutic intervention. This could eventually lead to more personalized cancer treatments that consider both drug therapies and dietary modifications.

Share news on social media

Follow us on social network

Documents related to the shooting down of an Azerbaijani helicopter by Armenian armed forces examined in court

Alper Gezeravcı: Azerbaijan poised to become key player in space ecosystem

Azerbaijani servicemen to participate in “KURTARAN-2025” exercise

Victim recounts day of Shusha’s occupation: “At that time, bombs fell like rain”

Pakistan closes airspace with immediate effect for all Indian-owned and operated airlines: National Security Committee

® Azercell expands access to its collection of audiobooks

® Special gift from Nar for the OneRepublic concert: Be the closest to the stage!

Azerbaijan’s judoka clinches bronze at European Championships

Massive icebergs once roamed off coast of UK

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson: Mutual visa exemption agreement will deepen China-Azerbaijan comprehensive strategic partnership

Azerbaijan names Para taekwondo athletes for 7th WT President's Cup Asian Region

International travelers visit Aghdam city

MonacoSAT Company eyes cooperation with Azercosmos

® Organized by PASHA Holding, the INMerge Innovation Summit returns to Baku in 2025

Documents on events preceding Shusha occupation examined at Baku Military Court

Azerbaijani Army serviceman successfully completes NATO Regional Cooperation Course at NATO Defense College

“MacroFrontiers 2025: 3rd International Scientific Conference on Macromolecular Compounds” kicks off at ASOIU

Khankendi to host 17th ECO Summit

Azerbaijani culture highlighted during intellectual exchange with League of Moroccan and African Women Writers at SIEL

Azercosmos, Turksat ink Memorandum of Understanding

Speaker of Milli Majlis to attend funeral of Pope Francis

President of European Volleyball Confederation visits Alley of Honor

BHOS hosts opening ceremony of 6th International Student Research and Science Conferences

Baku hosts presentation of book "The Wisdom Box" celebrating 100th anniversary of People's Poet Bakhtiyar Vahabzade

AZAL launches flights to two popular summer destinations

International travelers tour Khankendi city

Real Madrid beats Getafe 1-0 in Spanish league ahead of Copa del Rey final against Barcelona

Erdoğan boasts of Türkiye's ability to host any major sporting event

President Ilham Aliyev concluded state visit to China VIDEO

President Ilham Aliyev concluded state visit to China VIDEO

AI and digitalization are transforming safety and health at work

New Azerbaijan Party delegation visits People's Republic of China

Summit of Experts held at the Central Customs Hospital

Azerbaijan`s three-fold Para champion to compete for glory at World Series USA 2025

3 dead, 10 injured in multiple-car crash in Philippine capital

Trump signs orders on university accreditation, foreign gifts

Milan thrashes Inter to spoil its treble dream

International travelers tour Shusha city

® AzInTelecom participates in Space Technologies Conference

Magnitude 3 quake hits Azerbaijan’s Ismayilli district

Tens of thousands gather as Pope Francis lies in state at St Peter's Basilica

Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro participate in Training Companies Exhibition 2025 in Plovdiv

Vice-President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva visits Chinese National Human Genome Center

AFAD records 266 aftershocks after 6.2 magnitude Istanbul quake

China reveals Shenzhou 20 astronaut crew launching to Tiangong space station

Azerbaijan Army holds paramilitary cross championship

Leyla Aliyeva meets with students at Beijing Foreign Studies University

Delegation from China University of Petroleum visits Baku Higher Oil School

International travelers arrive in Azerbaijan’s Fuzuli district

President Ilham Aliyev's state visit to China in world media spotlight

Azerbaijani and Turkish filmmakers to explore co-production opportunities at Istanbul cinema days

New technology developed for H2 production from sugarcane waste and sunlight

After twenty hours, Israeli firefighters bring wildfires under control

International travelers kick off visit to Azerbaijan’s Karabakh region

Space Technology Conference kicks off in Baku

Baku’s Black Gold: The Boom That Captivates Britain

Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan likely to sign Railway Line Project

Forum of Think Tanks from Central Asia and the Gulf Cooperation Council

President Ilham Aliyev was interviewed by China's CGTN television channel in Beijing VIDEO

President Ilham Aliyev was interviewed by China's CGTN television channel in Beijing VIDEO

Former UK Ambassador hails Azerbaijan’s role in Trans-Caspian connectivity

World leaders rally for ‘full-speed’ climate action ahead of COP30

Oil prices fall in global markets

Practical classes held as part of reservists’ session in spotlight, Ministry of Defense

Azerbaijani oil price falls below $68

Western Azerbaijan Community: Armenia opposes our steps towards establishing truth and reconciliation

Azerbaijan President’s state visit to China: A milestone in strengthening the Belt and Road Initiative and Silk Road Vision

Kazakhstan, Pakistan keen to boost military cooperation

President Ilham Aliyev met with Chairman of Board of China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited in Beijing VIDEO

President Ilham Aliyev met with Chairman of Board of China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited in Beijing VIDEO

Speaker of Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova holds phone talk with Turkish counterpart

Member of Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Bećirović invited to 13th Global Baku Forum

Azerbaijan hosts Youth Cybersecurity Forum 2025 for first time

Azerbaijani PM holds phone talk with Vice President of Türkiye

Azerbaijan, China sign documents to enhance economic and trade partnership

President of European Volleyball Confederation to visit Baku

Chairman of Caucasus Muslims Office to visit Spain

Euronews TV channel highlights 7th ADA University Policy Forum

Earthquake of magnitude 6.2 shakes Istanbul, 151 injured in panic-driven incidents

'Chip' helps suppress alcohol addiction

BHOS students to represent Azerbaijan in Italy

BHOS rector meets with President of Council of Higher Education and international representatives

Azerbaijan helps to rebuild Irpin City clinic – AZERTAC’s special reportage

EU announces 700-mln-euro fine on U.S. tech giants Apple, Meta

ChatGPT-maker wants to buy Google Chrome

Azerbaijani judokas competing for glory at European Judo Championships Senior Podgorica 2025

Azerbaijan’s sustainable tourism strategies showcased at PATA Annual Summit 2025

President Ilham Aliyev visited Monument to the People's Heroes in Beijing VIDEO

President Ilham Aliyev visited Monument to the People's Heroes in Beijing VIDEO

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China VIDEO

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China VIDEO

Earthquake of magnitude 6.2 jolts Istanbul

President Ilham Aliyev's state visit in Chinese media spotlight

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Premier of the State Council of China VIDEO

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Premier of the State Council of China VIDEO

Nissan to spend $1.4 billion in China, ditching 'slow' response to fast market

3rd CIS Games official website launched

Azerbaijan unveils official mascots for 3rd CIS Games

Baku recognized as fifth leading city in promoting Argentinian film industry globally, says ambassador

Azerbaijan and China signed Joint Statement on Establishment of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Climate crisis driving surge in gender-based violence, UN report finds

AZAL increases number of flights for Eid al-Adha

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held expanded meeting with President of China Xi Jinping VIDEO

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held expanded meeting with President of China Xi Jinping VIDEO

Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted official banquet in honor of President Ilham Aliyev

Azerbaijan’s First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, her daughter Leyla Aliyeva, and other family members visited the Great Hall of the People in Beijing VIDEO

Azerbaijan’s First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, her daughter Leyla Aliyeva, and other family members visited the Great Hall of the People in Beijing VIDEO

Azerbaijan and China signed documents in Beijing VIDEO

Azerbaijan and China signed documents in Beijing VIDEO