A groundbreaking study conducted by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers has revealed that linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid commonly found in seed oils like soybean and safflower oil, as well as in animal products such as pork and eggs, can significantly enhance the growth of the hard-to-treat “triple negative” breast cancer subtype. The findings of this preclinical study, published in the prestigious journal Science, could pave the way for new dietary and pharmaceutical approaches to combat breast and other types of cancers.
The research team discovered that linoleic acid has the ability to activate a key growth pathway in tumor cells by binding to a protein called FABP5. Interestingly, this activation of the growth pathway was observed specifically in triple-negative breast cancer cells, where FABP5 is abundant, but not in other hormone-sensitive subtypes. In a mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer, a diet high in linoleic acid was shown to enhance tumor growth.
Dr. John Blenis, the senior author of the study and a prominent figure in cancer research at Weill Cornell Medicine, emphasized the significance of this discovery in unraveling the complex relationship between dietary fats and cancer. The findings shed light on the potential for personalized nutritional recommendations based on individual patient profiles.
Omega-6 linoleic acid, while essential for supporting various bodily processes, has become increasingly prevalent in modern diets due to the widespread use of seed oils in processed foods. The study sought to address concerns that excessive intake of omega-6 fatty acids could contribute to the rising rates of certain diseases, including breast cancer. Previous research on this topic has yielded inconclusive results, lacking a clear biological mechanism linking omega-6 fatty acids to cancer development.
The study focused on breast cancer, a disease with known links to modifiable risk factors such as obesity. By investigating the role of linoleic acid in driving the mTORC1 growth pathway in breast cancer cells, the researchers uncovered a subtype-specific effect in triple-negative breast cancer. This subtype lacks three key receptors commonly targeted in breast cancer treatment.
The researchers demonstrated that linoleic acid forms a complex with FABP5, promoting the assembly and activation of mTORC1 in triple-negative breast cancer cells. Feeding mice with this subtype of breast cancer a high-linoleic-acid diet led to increased tumor growth, highlighting the potential impact of dietary interventions on cancer progression.
The study not only provides valuable insights into the role of linoleic acid in breast cancer but also establishes a specific mechanism through which this dietary component influences disease development. Furthermore, the identification of FABP5 as a key player in this process suggests its potential as a biomarker for guiding personalized nutritional and therapeutic strategies for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.
While the researchers have just scratched the surface in exploring the effects of omega-6-FABP5-mTORC1 signaling in other diseases, the study hints at broader implications for cancer types beyond breast cancer. The pathway identified in this study may also play a role in common chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes.
In conclusion, this groundbreaking research offers a new perspective on the impact of dietary fats on cancer development and opens up avenues for targeted interventions in the fight against aggressive breast cancer subtypes. The findings underscore the importance of personalized approaches to cancer treatment and highlight the potential of dietary modifications in improving patient outcomes.
