Targeting ether lipid biosynthesis for disease

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Cancer is a significant health burden in the US and across the globe, representing the second leading cause of death in the US. Cancer cells have metabolic pathways that are altered significantly compared to normal cells. As a result, the pathways involved (lipid biosynthesis for example) are considered excellent targets for therapeutic intervention. The levels of ether lipids have been found elevated in cancer cells, but it was not until late 2013 that a specific role in cancer was described. Historically, these important signaling molecules were investigated in peroxisomal disorders, where decreased levels result in assorted diseases that often cause death before the age of twenty. The 2013 report revealed an importantrole for ether lipids in tumor cell growth. The precursor for all ethe lipids is produced in cells by the enzyme alkyldihydroxyacetone phosphate synthase (ADPS), also called alkylglycerone phosphate synthase (AGPS). The report mentioned above describe