Adipocyte–Tumor Cell Metabolic Communication in the Advancement of Cancer

Abstract

The tumor-microenvironment (TME) can be defined as an ecosystem comprising various factors including predominantly immunosuppressive cytokines, Tumor-Associated Adipocytes (TAAs) and infiltrating immune cell population (dendritic cells, macrophages, B and T lymphocytes) surrounding a tumor. TME has emerged as a key player in cancer progression, mainly the molecular interaction between tumor cells and its neighboring adipocytes. Adipocyte-derived extracellular vesicles play a pivotal role in cancer invasion by enhancing fatty acid oxidation through the delivery of both fatty acid substrates and essential protein machinery. Interestingly, tumor cells actively induce lipolysis in TAAs promoting the lipolysis that serves as an energy source to fuel tumor growth. Furthermore, the heightened mitochondrial activity in tumor cells leads to the redistribution of mitochondria toward membrane protrusions facilitating cell migration in the presence of adipocyte-derived extracellular vesicles. Collectively, these complex interactions promote cancer cells invasion. Current review provides a comprehensive understanding of the contribution of adipocyte-derived extracellular vesicles in mediating physiological interaction between tumor cells and neighboring adipocytes with a specific emphasis on the tumor advancement.