Omega-6 fatty acid promotes the growth of an aggressive type of breast cancer, study finds

A groundbreaking study led by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers has revealed a significant link between the consumption of omega-6 fatty acids, specifically linoleic acid, and the growth of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Linoleic acid is commonly found in seed oils like soybean and safflower oil, as well as in animal products such as pork and eggs. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize dietary and pharmaceutical approaches to combating breast cancer and other types of cancer.

Published in the prestigious journal Science, the study demonstrated that linoleic acid can activate a critical growth pathway in tumor cells by binding to a protein known as FABP5. The researchers observed that this activation occurs predominantly in triple-negative breast cancer cells, where FABP5 is highly expressed, as opposed to other hormone-sensitive subtypes. In experiments conducted on a mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer, a diet rich in linoleic acid was found to accelerate tumor growth.

Dr. John Blenis, the senior author of the study and a renowned cancer researcher at Weill Cornell Medicine, emphasized the importance of this discovery in understanding the relationship between dietary fats and cancer. He highlighted the potential for personalized nutritional recommendations based on individual patient profiles.

While linoleic acid is an essential nutrient for various bodily functions, its overabundance in modern diets, particularly in Western-style diets, has raised concerns about its role in the development of diseases like breast cancer. Previous research on the subject has been inconclusive, lacking a clear biological mechanism linking omega-6 fatty acids to cancer.

The current study sought to address this gap by focusing on breast cancer, a disease influenced by modifiable factors like obesity. By investigating the effects of linoleic acid on breast cancer cells, the researchers uncovered a subtype-specific activation of the mTORC1 pathway, a key regulator of cell metabolism and cancer cell growth.

The study also identified FABP5 as a critical player in this process, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for guiding personalized treatments for triple-negative breast cancer patients. Furthermore, the researchers hinted at the broader implications of the omega-6-FABP5-mTORC1 signaling pathway in other types of cancer and chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes.

Overall, this study sheds new light on the role of dietary fats in cancer development and underscores the importance of personalized approaches to cancer treatment. By delving into the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of omega-6 fatty acids on cancer cells, the researchers have opened up promising avenues for future research and therapeutic interventions.