Understanding the essential role of phosphatidylcholine in cell transformation and differentiation

The barriers that protect the cell from its external environment and divide the cell into regions or zones are called membranes. Many different types of lipids (ie. fats) are assembled together to make these membranes. In order for a cell to duplicate or change into another type of cell, specific types of lipids must be made to form new membranes or other structures in the cell. The most abundant lipid required for this purpose in phosphatidylcholine (called PC). The conversion of normal cells into cancer cells is accompanied by increased production of PC that allows these cells to survive and grow rapidly into tumours. This rapid production PC allows cancer cells to make more membranes that are required for growth and cell division. Similarly, increased production of PC occurs when cells are converted into fat storage cells called adipocytes. We will study how PC is made in cancer and fat cells, and identify common mechanisms that control the production of PC. These studies will provide fundamental insights into the relationship between fat metabolism and cell growth that could be used in the treatment or management of cancer and obesity.