An Overview of Lipid Droplets in Cancer and Cancer Stem Cells. (13th August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tirinato, L.; Pagliari, F.; Limongi, T.; Marini, M.; Falqui, A.; Seco, J.; Candeloro, P.; Liberale, C.; Di Fabrizio, E.
• Other Names: Sauer Heinrich Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Stem cells international. Volume 2017(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-08-13
• Subjects: Stem Cells -- Periodicals; Stem Cells -- Therapeutic use -- Periodicals; Stem Cells -- Transplantation -- Periodicals; 616.0277405
• DOI: 10.1155/2017/1656053
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-966X

Abstract

Abstract : For decades, lipid droplets have been considered as the main cellular organelles involved in the fat storage, because of their lipid composition. However, in recent years, some new and totally unexpected roles have been discovered for them: (i) they are active sites for synthesis and storage of inflammatory mediators, and (ii) they are key players in cancer cells and tissues, especially in cancer stem cells. In this review, we summarize the main concepts related to the lipid droplet structure and function and their involvement in inflammatory and cancer processes.