Inhibition of the SREBP pathway suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma through repressing inflammation.

Abstract Obesity is a critical risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, it remains unknown whether inhibition of de novo lipid biosynthesis can suppress HCC. In this study, we blocked the sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) pathway, one of the key determinants of lipid homeostasis, by ablating gp78 or SCAP in hepatocytes as well as by administering a chemical compound called betulin. We found that either genetically or pharmacologically inhibiting the SREBP pathway dramatically reduced diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC progression through down-regulating tumor promoting cytokines including IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β. Inhibition of de novo lipid biosynthesis by suppressing the SREBP pathway prevents HCC. This study identifies a previously underappreciated role of the SREBP pathway in HCC and suggests a novel metabolic strategy to control liver cancer. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.