Review Article
Biochemistry, molecular biology, and pharmacology of fatty acid synthase, an emerging
therapeutic target and diagnosis/prognosis marker
Hailan Liu, Jing-Yuan Liu, Xi Wu, Jian-Ting Zhang
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and IU Simon Cancer Center, Indiana, University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
Received June 16, 2010; accepted July 16, 2010; available online July 18, 2010; published August 1, 2010
Abstract: Human fatty acid synthase (FASN) is a 270-kDa cytosolic dimeric enzyme that is responsible for plamitate synthesis. FASN is slowly
emerging and rediscovered as a marker for diagnosis and prognosis of human cancers. Recent studies showed that FASN is an oncogene
and inhibition of FASN effectively and selectively kill cancer cells. With recent publications of the FASN crystal structure and the new
development of FASN inhibitors, targeting FASN opens a new window of opportunity for metabolically combating cancers. In this article, we will
review critically the recent progresses in understanding the structure, function, and the role of FASN in cancers and pharmacologically targeting
FASN for human cancer treatment. (IJBMB1006002).
Keywords: Fatty acid synthase, inhibitors, drug resistance, cancer, prognosis, diagnosis
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Address all correspondence to:
Jian-Ting Zhang, PhD
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and IU Simon Cancer Center
Indiana University School of Medicine
980 W. Walnut Street, R3-C510
Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
E-mail: jianzhan@iupui.edu
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