Cholesterol metabolism and tumor.

Cholesterol is an important lipid in the body of mammals and an essential component of membrane structures. Cholesterol homeostasis is critical for the maintenance of cellular and body activities, and is mainly regulated by the balance of cholesterol biosynthesis and the exogenous cholesterol uptake. Aberrantly regulated cholesterol metabolism promotes tumor cell proliferation，survival，invasion and metastasis，and their adaptability into the tumor microenvironment. Therefore，targeting cholesterol biosynthesis and reduction of plasma cholesterol levels and cholesterol esterification will provide new strategies for cancer treatment. This review summarizes the current understanding in cholesterol homeostasis regulation and its function in the occurence and development of cancer，as well as current metabolism-targeted cancer treatments.