The pro-tumorigenic functions of cancer-associated adipocytes are dependent on the mitochondrial chaperone tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated protein 1

Description

Nam Gu Yoon and colleagues show in 2026 that fat cells conscripted by breast tumours depend on a mitochondrial guardian protein to do their damage. Fat beside a tumour morphs into a cancer-associated state, bristling with mitochondria and secreting factors that shield cancer cells from chemotherapy. The protein TRAP1, a mitochondrial relative of a known chaperone family, proved to be the linchpin of that transformation.

Blocking TRAP1, genetically or with a drug, destabilised the fat cells' respiratory machinery and tripped their energy alarm. It also shut down the reprogramming signals, including production of a secreted adipokine called complement factor D. That factor otherwise activates survival pathways in cancer cells and blunts chemotherapy. Cutting the fat-to-tumour conversation made breast tumours in animals far more sensitive to treatment, nominating TRAP1 as a target on the tumour's support staff rather than the tumour itself.

Catalog record

Source: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/PMC13408860